1. When your child is absent, he/she must submit a note to the Attendance Office within three (3) days of absence. If the absence note is not submitted within three (3) days of the return to school, the absence will be coded unexcused. Notes will not be accepted after three days. Five (5) unexcused absences will result in a Loss of Credit.

2. If your child arrives after 7:25 am, he/she must proceed to the Attendance Office. They must bring a note to explain why they are tardy to school, otherwise the tardy is unexcused. Notes will not be accepted after the fact. Missing the bus or a ride, auto trouble, and oversleeping are not excused. Three (3) unexcused tardies equals one unexcused absence. An unexcused trady will result in an administrative detention.

3. If your child has to be dismissed early, he/she needs to take their note to the Attendance Office before first period, where he/she will be given an early dismissal pass. All students must sign out upon leaving. Likewise, all students must sign in through the Attendance Office upon their return. Failure to sign out will be considered an unexcused absence.

4. If your student needs to attend a job interview during the school day, you must send in a note excusing his/her absence. Students are eligible to be excused for one half day for a job interview. No more than two requests will be honored for each student. Students will not be excused for interviews during final exams.

5. If you need to withdraw your child from school, the parent, guardian, or responsible adult must request the withdrawal in writing.

6. If your child is temporarily suspended from school, a parent, guardian, or responsible adult must meet with the appropriate grade-level administrator for an intake conference prior to your child’s return to school.

7. Students are required to bring a doctor’s note after five (5) days of consecutive absence. Excessive late arrivals may require a doctor’s note.

Maryland State Department of Education Attendance Policy Changes

Changes in Recording Attendance Effective July 1, 2007.

The following changes in recording attendance in Montgomery County Public Schools are being implemented in accordance with the Maryland Student Records System Manual revised effective July 1, 2007, by the Maryland State Department of Education.