Attendance and Absences
Parents are asked to call the Clinic at (540) 422-7715 when their child is absent or will be tardy to school. Voice mail is available on the clinic number for your "before/after school hours" calls.
We will be using the School Messenger Phone System to call each student on the daily absentee list that has not called us first. So therefore, parents of students who are listed as being absent will receive an automated phone call stating that "Your child or children have been reported absent today. Please call the school at (540) 422-7710 office or (540) 422-7715 clinic to verify this absence". If you receive this automated message, please take a few minutes to call the school to confirm the absence.
Students who expect to be successful in school need to attend school regularly. Please keep in mind the following policies:
ABSENCES: Mary Walter Elementary is focusing on increasing regular attendance this year. Teachers will contact parents when a student is out for 5 days. The purpose of the contact is to help us stay in communication with parents regarding this important issue. Once a child reaches 10 days, parents will receive a phone call from the administration. If a student is out 15 days, a meeting will be scheduled with our attendance officer. While we understand that sickness and vacations happen, we are required by Virginia law to monitor absences. If your child will be out for an extended period, please send an email to administration. If a child is absent from school for 15 consecutive days, they will be withdrawn from our enrollment and will need to be re-enrolled before they can attend school. If you have any questions about attendance, please call the school at 540-422-7710.