Attendance

Absences add up!  Missing just two days a month leads to gaps in learning and lower graduation rates.  That’s why we believe EVERY DAY MATTERS. Regular and punctual school and class attendance are essential to a student’s success.  We expect students to attend school every day unless they have an “explained” absence. Excused/explained absences are defined by Maine law and School Committee policy as follows: 

1. Personal illness; 
2. An appointment with a health professional that must be made during the regular school day; 
3. Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day; 
4. A family emergency; 
5. A planned absence for a personal or educational purpose that has been approved; 
6. Education disruption resulting from homelessness, unplanned psychiatric hospitalization, unplanned hospitalization for a medical emergency, foster care placement, youth development placement or some other out-of-district placement that is not otherwise authorized by either any individual education plan or a superintendent's’ student transfer agreement. “Education disruption” does not apply to a student who is out of school for 10 or more consecutive school days as a result of a planned absence for a reason such as a family event or a medical absence for planned hospitalization or recovery. 

Upon returning to school following an absence, a student must report directly to the Main Office, with a note from their parent or guardian providing a reason for the absence. Parents or guardians may also email attendance notices directly to dhssecretary@portlandschools.org  Students with a note explaining a legitimate absence will be marked “EXPLAINED” (EA) for attendance records.  Absences without a note will be marked “UNEXPLAINED” (UA) and will count towards truancy. 

Introducing a New Feature: Easily Update Student Attendance with ReachMyTeach!
Updating excused tardiness and absences for students is now possible through Reach My Teach. As a parent or guardian, if your student is marked absent, you'll receive a text or email. Simply follow the provided link to excuse the absence or call the school directly. On the School Attendance Report Page, select the reason for the absence, or add a note if needed, then click submit to excuse the absence.

Important to note: All attendance notifications will be delivered in a parent's preferred language, and the School Attendance Report Page will also be available in your preferred language.

To customize your communication preferences, please click here. Stay connected effortlessly with ReachMyTeach!