Parents/guardians should report all absences and late arrivals as soon as possible.
Attendance Office
Phone: 781-316-3573
Email: [email protected]
SchoolPass App: Families may report full-day absences and late arrivals through SchoolPass.
When reporting an absence, please include:
- Student's full name
- Date(s) of absence
- Reason for the absence
If an absence qualifies as an exempt absence, please provide documentation (such as a healthcare provider's note) or contact your student's dean or the school nurse.
Absences - will be recorded in PS by the Attendance Office.
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Planned Dismissals
If your student needs to leave school during the day:
- Notify the Attendance Office as early as possible by phone, email, or written note.
- Your student should pick up a dismissal slip before first period or before the scheduled dismissal time.
- Teachers will release students when a dismissal slip or PowerSchool notification has been received.
- Students returning to school after a dismissal must sign back in at the reception desk.
Advance notice helps us minimize classroom interruptions and avoid delays.
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Illness During the School Day
Students who become ill during school should report to the Health Office.
The school nurse will assess the student and contact a parent or guardian if dismissal is necessary. Students should not leave campus because of illness without going through the Health Office.
Reporting Illness to the School Nurse
Parents/guardians should contact the Health Office when a student has a significant illness, injury, or medical condition that may affect attendance or participation in school.
Please contact the school nurse if your student:
- Will be absent due to a significant illness or hospitalization.
- Has a contagious illness (such as COVID-19, influenza, chickenpox, or another communicable disease).
- Has a new medical diagnosis or injury that requires accommodations at school.
- Will need medication administered during the school day.
- Will require activity restrictions, including limitations in Physical Education or athletics.
- Has a healthcare provider's note or medical documentation related to an absence.
The school nurse can answer questions about when a student should remain home, return to school, or what medical documentation may be needed.
Please note: Reporting an illness to the Health Office does not replace reporting an absence to the Attendance Office. Families should report absences to the Attendance Office and contact the Health Office when medical information or support is needed.
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Understanding the Attendance Policy
Arlington High School recognizes three categories of absences:
Optional Absences
These are parent/guardian-reported absences that do count toward the attendance limit.
Examples include:
- Brief illnesses
- Family travel
- College visits
- Optional field trips
Exempt Absences
These do not count toward the attendance limit when appropriately documented or approved.
Examples include:
- Documented illness or medical treatment
- Religious observances
- Bereavement
- Required school field trips
- School-mandated testing
Unexcused Absences
Examples include:
- Class cuts
- Absences without parent notification
- Tardies of 30 minutes or more
Students may use up to six optional absences per class each quarter without documentation. Families whose student is approaching this limit should contact their dean to discuss documentation and available supports.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Questions about:
- Field trips
- College visits
- Medical absences
- Religious observances
- Physical Education attendance
- FA (Failure Due to Attendance)
- Tardies
- Senior attendance
- Athletics eligibility
are answered in our FAQ on Excused and Exempt Absences.
➡️ Read the AHS Attendance FAQ
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Student Handbook
The official attendance policy, including attendance limits, FA procedures, extracurricular eligibility, tardies, and attendance responsibilities, are found in:
➡️ Arlington High School Student Handbook (Section C: Attendance)
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Need Help?
Questions about attendance documentation or support should be directed to your student's dean.
Questions regarding illness or medical dismissals should be directed to the Health Office.
For reporting absences, tardies, or dismissals:
Attendance Office
☎ 781-316-3573
✉ [email protected]
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