School Attendance Reminders

Attendance, Arrival, and Dismissal Reminders
Good evening, Farmland families,
As we begin the second quarter, we would like to share a few important reminders about attendance. We need your support as we continue to strive to be a five-star school. A part of our school rating is based on chronic absenteeism.
 
According to the Maryland State Department of Education, a student is considered “chronically absent” when the student has been enrolled for at least ten days and is absent for ten percent or more of the school days, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused.
 
Regular attendance is essential. Students who miss significant instructional time are more likely to fall behind in their learning. When students attend school consistently, they make stronger progress and remain on track. By working together, we can support the success of all students.
 
Thank you,
Farmland Elementary School
 

Reporting Absences
  • Please let the school know each day your child will be absent. Email both the classroom teacher and the attendance secretary.
  • For late arrivals or early dismissals, send a note or email.
  • The Google form is helpful, but it does not replace the required note or email.
 

Who to contact:
 

Include the following information in your email:
  • Your child’s name
  • Teacher’s name
  • Reason for the absence
 

Important Reminders:
  • If we do not get an email from a parent, an automated call will be made at noon. The absence will be unexcused.
  • A written explanation is required within three days after your child returns. You can write an email.
  • Absences of five days or more need a doctor’s note.
  • Vacations are not excused.
 

Procedures for Early Pick-Up and Late Drop Off
While we are a welcoming school and community, our top priority is the safety of our students and staff. To help keep everyone safe, we ask that families use the QR code for drop-off and pick-up during arrival and dismissal. 
Limiting visitors without an appointment helps arrival and dismissal go safely and quickly. If you would like to meet with office staff or administration or have specific questions, we are happy to schedule an appointment. 
We ask for your understanding and partnership in helping us keep everyone safe and arrivals and dismissals going smoothly. 
 

Late Drop Off & Early Pick Up
Late Drop Off
When dropping your child off:
  • Please ensure you fill out the late drop-off form.
  • Ensure you have sent a note to the attendance secretary and the classroom teacher. 
Early Pick-Up
When picking up your child early:
  • Please have your photo ID ready to show our staff. We check everyone’s ID, even if we know you, to make sure that only authorized people are picking up students.
  • Remember: Allow extra time for your student to be called from the classroom.
  • All students who arrive late or leave early must be signed in/out by a parent or guardian.
  • Please note that after 3:25 PM, students will not be dismissed for early pick-up.
 

Traveling
We encourage families to plan travel during scheduled school vacations. Absences for travel during the school year are considered unexcused, and extended absences can interrupt learning and affect student progress.
Important information according to MCPS policy:
  • Any student who is absent for ten or more consecutive school days must be withdrawn from enrollment.
  • When the student returns, a parent or guardian must complete the re-enrollment process.
  • Teachers are not required to provide homework or class assignments for extended absences.
Farmland cannot guarantee that a student will return to the same teacher. Depending on class enrollment at the time of re-enrollment, the student may be placed in a different classroom.
If you have additional questions, you can reach out to your grade level administrator or our attendance secretaries for clarification.