Attendance
Good Attendance Matters at Whitman MS
Please send an email to the Whitman MS Attendance Specialist; Kelli Derrig at: whitmanms.attendance@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-1204 to alert us of your student’s absence as soon as possible. If there is no answer, please leave a voice mail.
- Absent or Late Arrival: Please provide their FULL, first & last name, the reason they are out or arriving late, and your name and phone number in case we have any questions. When arriving late, your student must check in at the office and get a pass to class.
- Leaving Early: Advance notice is strongly recommended Please provide their Full, first & last name, the pick-up/departure time, reason for leaving early, and your name and phone number. We will then get a pass to your student to be excused from class to meet you in the office at the noted time.
- Learning/Early Release: For an early release, come to the office to sign your student out (bring photo ID).
- Planned Absence: For a planned absence for 2+ days please complete a Planned Absence Form a minimum of 3 days before the dates in question. Use a separate form for each student.
Whitman Middle School is committed to having every student share in the full experience of learning. Thank you for helping your student attend class every day! Our average daily attendance rate is 96% because of your support!
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How can I report an absence, late arrival or early release for my student?
A: Parents/Guardians can email or call an attendance change: whitmanms.attendance@seattleschools.org or call 206-252-1204.
Q: For early release, where do I meet my student?
A: Come into the office to sign your student out. Please bring Picture ID.
Q: What if my student was in class and marked absent?
A: Speak to the teacher to clear the mistake; parents cannot clear/excuse an absence.The teacher can send attendance an email and it will be updated.
Q: What if your student is feeling sick at school and wants to go home?
A: Students are encouraged to see the nurse. If your student calls you directly, please suggest they see the nurse first. The nurse will be in touch if the student needs to go home.
Q: What if my student has recurring medical appointments and needs to leave the same time, same day, each week?
A: Turn in a Recurring Absence Form (also available from Attendance) with the information; turn in each semester.
Q: When is it too late to excuse an absence?
A: Important: You now have two (2) days to update attendance from the date of absence. This is a recent update.
Q: What if students are late to class, leave early, or go to the bathroom and stay too long?
A: The teacher may mark that the student left early or was absent and it can stay unexcused. If students miss more than 10 minutes of class, they are technically absent.
SPS Student Attendance
All children in Washington state have a constitutionally guaranteed right to an education. They are also legally required to attend school. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% of school, regardless of the reason — that’s 18 days in a school year!
Regular school attendance is the key to student academic success. Attendance has a dramatic impact on key milestones, including 3rd grade reading, 9th grade achievement, high school graduation, and life success.
Unexcused Absences and Truancy – WA State Law “Becca Bill”
If a student has unexcused absences, Washington state law requires that schools take specific actions:
How can families help?
We miss your student when they are gone, and we value their contributions to their school. Please help us ensure your student attends regularly and is successful in school:
- Have your child attend school unless they are truly sick, such as a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a contagious rash, any health conditions related to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases as defined in WA state law.
- Schedule appointments and arrange travel for times when school is not in session.
- Keep track of your child’s attendance. Missing school, excused or unexcused, puts your child at risk of falling behind.
- Maintain communication with your student’s school and teacher if additional support is needed or to discuss barriers that prevent your student from participation.
- Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. Ensure that your child finishes their homework the night before.
Contact your school:
- To report a student absence
- If you have a question about an automated message you received
- If you have general attendance questions
Contact the SPS Attendance Office:
- If you have questions about truancy
- If you have questions about an attendance letter you received from the district or court
SPS Attendance Office
attendance@seattleschools.org
206-252-0827
SPS Attendance Office webpage