A goal of Berkeley County Schools’ Department of Attendance is to ensure every student attends school every day. School attendance has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is important for success in school and in life.
We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. But, we also know that when students miss too much school— regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically.
We hope that you find this information helpful. Like you, we want your child to be successful in school! Should you have questions or want details regarding your student’s attendance record, please contact your child’s school.
The student will arrive to school on time.
The student will attend school every day.
The student will participate and make academic progress.
Talk about the importance of school attendance every day. Be sure your child knows you do not approve of them missing school.
Communicate with the school often to monitor attendance, academic progress, and address concerns.
Starting in Pre-K, too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
Missing 10% (or about 18 days per school year) can make it harder to learn to read. Gaps in your student’s education will occur.
Students can still fall behind if they miss just a day, or two days, every few weeks.
Being late to school may lead to poor attendance.
Absences can affect the whole classroom if the teacher has to slow down learning to help children catch up. They may miss out on building strong peer relationships and start to feel left behind.
Missing too many days can put a student at risk of dropping out.
Scheduling a vacation during the school year causes students to miss important information that can affect their education.
We know students may miss school for illness, emergencies, or for religious reasons, but we want to see every student in school every day. Regular school attendance is an important factor in student success at Berkeley County Schools.
If a student must miss school, for one or more days, the student must submit an excuse from his/her parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence in order to receive an excused absence.
Notes must be submitted within three (3) schools days of the student’s return.
We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances, and understand that trips out of town may not always take place during the summer time. But, we also know that when students miss too much school (regardless of the reason) it can cause them to fall behind academically.
Should a student be absent for reasons that may be considered a Leave of Educational Value (LEV) such as an educational trip or a college visit, prior approval of the school administrator and Student Assistance Team (SAT) must be obtained in accordance with West Virginia Code 18-8-1. The student will be asked to submit an educational plan detailing objectives and activities. If the Leave extends beyond ten (10) days the request requires County Board approval.
Students do not need to obtain proof of enrollment or any documentation from Berkeley County Schools to recieve their driver's permit or license.
If a student has more than 10 unexcused absences there could be restrictions placed on their license.
I Received a Legal Notice, Now What?
Make contact, either face to face or via the telephone, with the school contact indicated on the Legal Notice within the appropriate time frame.
Take corrective actions to ensure that your child does not accrue additional unexcused absences. Please note unexcused absences already accrued will not be re-coded.
Talk with your child; ensure that they understand the importance of turning in notes. Develop a plan with them as to how they will turn in notes. This will help teach them responsibility.
Communication is the key to avoid truancy issues. Providing a note when your child is absent from school ensures that absences can be coded correctly and eliminates any unnecessary unexcused absences.
After a legal notice is provided, if continued unexcused absences continue, it is possible that truancy charges will be charged. Please communicate with the school to make sure that absences are coded correctly.
Office of Attendance & Homeschool Phone: 304-263-0166
How can I get a letter to verify that my child is homeschooled for Promise Scholarship, BlueRidge CTC enrollment or for any other reasons?
Call 304-263-0166 or Email.
