Willowcreek's Attendance Policy
Strong school attendance is absolutely crucial for student success. Scientific studies prove that the act of coming to school and having a strong attendance record dramatically improves students’ chances of graduating. Adversely, high school dropout and low employment rates are almost always linked to poor school attendance. Willowcreek Middle School not only encourages strong student attendance, we also celebrate it. At the end of each quarter, students with appropriate attendance rates partake in an in-school attendance celebration in the gym complete with snacks, music, games, and positive social interaction. In addition, weekly attendance parties are held for the academic teams with the highest attendance rates.
While Willowcreek Middle School celebrates attendance and gives positive opportunities to students who regularly attend school, we must also pay mind to the students who are consistently absent or tardy by providing the proper support, notifications, and counseling to students and families. Below is a chart of the attendance rates and actions taken by the school for each rate of absence. It is important to note that these actions are taken regardless of whether absences are excused, unexcused, or if parents call their children off.
Attendance Rate |
Action Taken |
3 day combination of excused absences, unexcused absences, and/or tardies to school. |
Student is unable to attend the in-school AttenDANCE celebration at the end of each quarter. |
5 days of excused or unexcused absences combined. |
A letter will be sent home notifying parents of the Compulsory Attendance Laws and student will be required to attend a lunchtime attendance workshop. |
7 days of excused or unexcused absences combined. |
The family will be referred to appropriate district employees to receive a home visit. Restrictions may be placed on student participation in clubs and activities. |
10 Days of excused or unexcused absences combined |
The family will be referred to services through Community Partners and receive another letter regarding the Compulsory Attendance Laws. |
More than 10 days of excused or unexcused absences combined |
The family may be referred to Child Protective Services for educational neglect along with Portage Attendance Court/Truancy Court. |