• Jennifer Danforth, Attendance Secretary
  •  Email: danforthj@wvsd208.org Phone: 509-902-8810

All absences from school or class must be cleared through the attendance office within 48 business hours or they will be considered unexcused. The attendance office is available Monday – Friday 7am – 3:15pm.

How do I excuse an absence? Parents can excuse absences in multiple ways:

• Call: (509) 902-8810
• Email: danforthj@wvsd208.org
• ParentSquare Message Sign Up Link
• Signed written note

The school will contact the student’s home with an automated telephone recorder if the student has been marked absent in one or more periods during the school day. Please keep current contact information up to date in Skyward. Contact the main office at (509)902-8810 to update your contact information. 

Absences are classified according to the West Valley School District policy. 

Consistent attendance plays a critical role in student success and is one of the strongest indicators of whether a student will graduate. West Valley Innovation Center encourage all students to make attendance a priority and show up ready to learn each day.

Students who attend regularly are more likely to:

• Remain on track to graduate and pursue college, training, or career opportunities after high school
• Perform better on assessments and in their classes
• Stay connected and involved in their learning environment
• Develop confidence and maintain better overall mental well-being
• Build positive habits that support success in school, work and life
• Create more opportunities for long term stability and success

At WVIC, every school day counts. Strong relationships and a sense of belonging help support consistent attendance, and students are a key part of making that happen. Students can:

• Set a personal attendance goal and share it with a trusted friend, family member or staff member
• Reach out and support classmates who may be struggling to attend
• Use available school resources and communicate with staff when challenges arise

Being on time to school and class is an important part of student success. West Valley Innovation Center emphasizes that punctuality supports learning, builds responsibility, and helps students make the most of every instructional minute.

Students who arrive on time are more likely to:

• Be prepared and focused at the start of each class
• Miss less important instruction, directions, and learning opportunities
• Perform better academically and stay on track with assignments
• Experience less stress and feel more confident throughout the day
• Demonstrate responsibility and respect for their learning environment
• Build time-management skills that are essential for future success

At WVIC, every minute counts. Arriving on time helps students stay connected, engaged and ready to learn alongside their peers. Students are encouraged to take an active role in developing strong punctuality habits by:

• Planning ahead to allow enough time to arrive to school and class promptly
• Establishing consistent morning and daily routines
• Using reminders, alarms, or schuedles to stay on track
• Communicating with staff when barriers to being on time arise

Arriving late to school or class disrupts learning and can impact student success. West Valley School District strongly encourages all students to arrive on time each day.

Tardiness is tracked as a portion of the school day. Missing more than 10 minutes of a class period is recorded as an absence. 

Tardiness may be excused for the following reasons:

• Illness or health related conditions
• School initiated activities
• Religious observances
• Emergencies

To excuse a tardy, a parent or guardian must notify the school by phone, email, Parent Square, written note or in person at the time the student arrives.

Families are encouraged to schedule appointments outside of the school hours whenever possible to minimize disruption to learning. If a student develops a pattern of excessive tardiness, a conference with school administration may be required to create a plan for improvement.

Absences may be excused for the following reasons:

• Participation in school or district approved activity or program
• Illness, health conditions, or medical appointments (a note may be required)
• Family emergencies, including illness or death in family
• Religious or cultural observances or instruction
• Court appearances or legal obligations
• College, technical school, or apprenticeship visits, or scholarship interview
• State recognized search and rescue activities
• Circumstances related to a student’s homeless status
• Disciplinary actions (e.g., suspension or expulsion)
• Other pre-approved activities arranged with school administration

Parents/guardians should notify the school on the day of the absence and submit an excuse within 48 hours. All absences are reviewed according to West Valley School District guidelines.

Absences that do not meet these criteria may be considered unexcused, even if a note is provided. School staff will communicate with families regarding attendance concerns.

For additional support, Please contact;

• Kayla Robinson, Guidance Couselor
  • Email: robinsonk@wvsd208.org Phone: (509) 902-8810
• Megan Graham, Assistant Director
  • Email: grahamm@wvsd208.org Phone: (509) 902-8810

Washington State Legislature: RCW 28A.225.010

WVSD 208 Attendance Policy

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What happens if an absence is not excused?

Absences that do not meet district criteria will be considered unexcused. Continued unexcused absences may lead to interventions, communication with families, and possible truancy actions.

How is tardniess handled? 

Tardiness is tracked and counts toward attendance. Missing a signifacant poriont of a class or school day will be recorded as an absence. Families will be notified if tardiness becomes excessive.

When is a tardy considered an absence?

A tardy is considered an absence if the student arrives more than 10 minutes after the start of a class. For example, first period begins at 7:45am. The tardy window is 7:45am to 7:55am. If a student arrives after 7:55am it is considered an absence. 

How do I excuse an absence or tardy?

A parent/guardian must notify the school when the student arrives, either by phone, written note, or in person and the reason must meet district guidelines.

When is a Doctor’s note needed?

A note is often required for illnesses lasting three or more consecutive school days.

What is a Pre-Arranged absence form?

A pre-arranged absence form is used when the student will be out of school, pre-planned for 3+ consecutive days for any reason other than illness (vacation, surgery, etc.) These forms are found in the main office.