All students are expected at school every day, before 9:00 am. 

Consistent and punctual school attendance is essential to a student’s educational success. Keeping a child out of school for any reason, other than infectious  illness, affects the continuity of his or her school experience.  The ritual of the school day builds community and comfort, and arriving late or missing school altogether disrupts the routines so important to productive learning.

The elementary years establish lifelong habits.  Research has shown that students who are late or absent just twice a month are at significant risk of dropping out before completing high school.  In addition, chronically late or absent students do not perform as well academically as their peers.

Absence Protocol

• If you know your child will be absent from school, please inform the front office prior to 8:50am: 207-874-8175 or jellia@portlandschools.org

  • If the front office does not receive any notification when a student is absent, the school will call the parents/guardian to ensure the safety of the child. 

  • When a parent is not reached, the absence is recorded as “unexcused”. 

• When your child is absent, please also expect a phone call or text from your classroom teacher or school counselor. Our staff works hard to have open communication and build relationships with students and parents, and we want you to know we miss your student when they are out!

• When a student is at risk of becoming “chronically absent” (missing 10% of school days), his parent/guardian may receive communication from school social workers or Lead Teachers. Our goal is to understand the challenges and help in any way we can. 

• Excused absences may include the following reasons:

• Illness;

• Appointment with a health professional that can only be made during the school day;

• Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day;

• Family emergency;

• Planned absence for personal or education purpose which has been approved in advance.

  • If you are planning an extended absence for personal or family travel please submit a written request to the Lead Teachers for approval.

Unexcused Absence:  
Students who accumulate 7 full days or 5 consecutive days of unexcused absences will be considered truant.  In that case, every effort will be made to work with the family to ensure consistency of daily attendance.  Please note, upon review and determination that a child is truant, the school is required to notify the Superintendent.

If your child will be absent please call or email the school office prior to 8:50am: 207-874-8175.