Kindly email all attendance updates and changes in dismissal to: [email protected], [email protected], and your child's teacher(s).
Reporting an Absence Instructions
Attendance: Consistent attendance is a key factor in student achievement. The Maryland State Department of Education defines satisfactory attendance as 94% or higher. Many school systems, including Baltimore County Public Schools, strive for an Exemplary Attendance rate of 96% or better, with no unlawful absences. Recognizing that chronic absenteeism can have long-term effects on a child’s academic and personal success, BCPS encourages families and students to set and maintain high expectations for daily attendance.
Absence: When a student is absent for any reason, an email (preferred) or note must be sent explaining the reason for absence and must be given to the teacher on the day the student returns to school. Parents are also able to upload attendance notes and doctors notes directly to FOCUS.
Tardy: Students arriving after 9:00 a.m. should report to the office with a parent/guardian to sign in and give a note (or email) of excuse to the office and teacher(s).
Early Dismissal: If you know your child needs to leave early, please send in a note with your child or email (preferred) the classroom teacher and office staff. Parents picking up students early from school should report to the school office.
Important Notice Regarding Early Dismissals After Special Events: Please be advised that early dismissals following special events (such as assemblies, performances, field trips, or celebrations) are disruptive to the learning environment and will be recorded as unexcused absences unless accompanied by a doctor’s note or official documentation supporting an excused early dismissal.
Change in Dismissal: We understand that emergencies arise, but we ask that you please notify the office no later than 3:00 p.m. if there is a change in dismissal. Office staff will require identification if someone other than the parent is picking up your child, so please make sure that the person picking up has a photo ID with them. We understand that schedules can vary, but for consistency and safety, we ask that dismissal changes be kept to a minimum. Frequent changes increase the risk of confusion at the end of the day.