Attendance Matters
In Virginia, all students ages 5 through 18 are required to attend school regularly.
At TeamLCPS, we believe regular attendance plays an important role in a student’s academic, social, and emotional growth — and in their overall success. Our Attendance and Truancy Support Team is here to support students, parents and guardians, faculty, and staff as we work together to ensure every student is challenged and supported in reaching their maximum potential.
Excused Absences
Students may be excused from school for the following reasons:
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Illness
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Chronic or extended illness
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Prearranged appointments
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Family death or emergency
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Religious observances
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Exceptional circumstances
Please reference the LCPS Attendance Policy for additional details.
Reporting an Absence
When a student is absent from school, a parent or guardian must provide a note or email explaining the reason for the absence.
This documentation must be submitted to the school’s attendance team within five days of the absence.
Parents and guardians may submit absence documentation directly to their child’s school using the appropriate email address below:
If an absence is not reported by a parent or guardian, it will be considered unexcused. Any absence that does not fall within one of the approved categories listed above, or for which required documentation is not provided, will also be coded as unexcused.
Parents and guardians can monitor their student’s attendance through the Parent Portal Information System. For more information about accessing or using the Parent Portal, please contact your child’s school.
What Can You Do to Keep Your Student on Track?
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Talk with your student about the importance of attending school every day and arriving on time.
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Establish and maintain consistent bedtimes and daily routines.
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When possible, schedule dental, medical, and other appointments outside of school hours.
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If your student misses school, communicate with their teachers to obtain assignments, resources, and materials needed to make up missed instruction.
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If your family needs additional attendance support, please reach out to your child’s school.
Attendance Facts
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More than 8 million students in the United States miss nearly a month of school each year.
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Poor attendance can affect whether students are reading proficiently by the end of third grade.
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By sixth grade, absenteeism can become a leading indicator that a student may be at risk of dropping out of high school.
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By ninth grade, attendance is a stronger predictor of high school graduation than eighth-grade test scores.
Source: Attendance Works — attendanceworks.org