Franklin Attendance Information

Students are expected to be in school and in class daily and on time. Punctual attendance is the first requirement for success – both here at Franklin and in life after graduation. Many of our teachers use instructional methods that require student participation; if students are absent, they miss out on that learning.

Please note it is the guardian’s responsibility to excuse each absence; guardians need to notify the Attendance Office within two school days (48 hours) to excuse absences.

• Franklin Attendance Email: franklinhs.attendance@seattleschools.org

• Franklin Attendance Phone: 206-252-6154

Policies and Regulations

• What absences/tardies/early dismissals can be excused? Personal illness or injury, medical appointments, family emergencies, the illness, injury or death of a family member, religious holidays, or absences resulting from disciplinary actions and/or suspensions.
• What happens if my child is tardy to class, arrives late or has an unexcused absence? Your student should sign in at the attendance office upon arrival.
• The Attendance Office requires a note from your child’s doctor if your child is absent due to illness or injury for an excessive number of days (3 or more school days) before excusing those absences.
• If an absence is excused, students shall be permitted upon request to make up all missed assignments outside of the class under reasonable conditions and time limits established by the school and/or teacher.
• What absences/tardies/early dismissals are unexcused?
  All other reasons are considered unexcused, including absences/tardies caused by the student or parent oversleeping/“late starts.”
• Frequent and consistent tardies because of traffic will not be excused.
• At the teacher’s discretion, a student may or may not be permitted to make up missed assignments or exams as a result of an unexcused absence. Further, a student’s unexcused absence may disallow their participation in extra-curricular activities.

How are absences/tardies/early dismissals excused?

Students will need:

• a note signed by the parent or guardian confirming his or her absence/tardy/early dismissal
• an email from the parent or guardian confirming his or her absence/tardy/early dismissal
• a phone call (made to the Attendance Office phone) from the parent or guardian confirming his or her absence/tardy/early dismissal
• The Attendance Office requires the reason why your child is absent in your note, email or call. A parent’s request to “excuse my child’s absence” without a stated reason or with a reason that does not meet the criteria for excused absences will result in the child’s absence remaining unexcused.

• What is a “Truant Day”?
  A student is considered to be truant if he/she is without a valid excuse from classes for more than half of a school day without parent/guardian authorization. The missed periods do not have to be consecutive. According to Washington State truancy laws, the District is required to file a truancy petition against a student when the student has seven truant days in a calendar month or ten cumulative truant days in a school year.
• When parents/guardians fail to comply with the Compulsory Attendance law, the parents/guardians may also be subject to a truancy petition filed with Superior Court.