Attendance

Attendance Expectations

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.

Strive for Less Than 5: Attendance Campaign

Mayor Kevin Knowles, City of Martinsburg

President Eddie Gochenour, Berkeley County Commission

Kristie Hadley, President/CEO, Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce

Hal Van Metre, BCS Director of Attendance

Attendance Rates

September is Attendance Awareness Month, and we’re working hard to address chronic absenteeism across Berkeley County Schools! What better way than with a little friendly competition?

Each week, we’ll spotlight the schools with the highest attendance rates by programmatic level — giving them bragging rights and celebrating their commitment to showing up every day. 📚✨

Good attendance = being in school 95% or more of the time. That’s the benchmark for success! Here are the attendance rates from August 19 through September 5.

Student Absence Information