Attendance Matters
As we prepare for the start of a new school year, we want to highlight a renewed focus on a challenge that has a powerful impact on student success: daily attendance. Across the country, and in our own community, schools are seeing a rise in chronic absenteeism. Schools and parents know that time in school is critical for academic achievement, social connection and long-term success.
This year, we are strengthening our efforts through a district-wide focus on attendance: Every Day Counts. This message will guide our shared work in ensuring every student has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and engaged learning environment. It reflects our deep belief that consistent attendance helps students stay on track, build strong relationships and fully participate in the life of their school.
We recognize that there is a lot of information in this email and we ask you to read the entire communication. The email includes these main points:
- Attendance Expectation is 95%
- New Make Up Work Guidelines
- Daily Attendance Expectation to Participate in Extracurriculars including Athletics
- Attendance Expectations for Social Events and Other Privileges
Our Commitment
District 207 is committed to maintaining clear and open communication with families about attendance expectations and the support our schools provide. We believe this partnership is essential to student success and we are grateful for the role you play in helping your student succeed. This year, new accountability measures are being put in place that reaffirm the importance of student attendance.
Key Attendance Guidelines and Expectation
Attendance Expectation
Students are expected to maintain at least 95% attendance throughout the school year, which means missing no more than two days per month, either excused or unexcused. Regular attendance helps students stay connected academically and socially.
Student-Staff Relationships
Building strong relationships between students and staff is a top priority. In the first weeks of school, teachers and staff will focus on creating welcoming, supportive environments. These early weeks are meant to teach expectations, build trust, celebrate and support students.
Regular Parent Communication
Families will receive an attendance report every other week, showing each student’s current overall attendance percentage, as well as tardies by class, to highlight any patterns that may need attention. These updates are intended to keep families informed and allow time to address concerns. Parents are expected to contact the school the day of the absence, or it will be recorded as unexcused. Please call prior to 8 a.m.
Support and Partnership
We are committed to consistent communication and support. Attendance letters will be sent home after five and nine absences, and follow-up support is offered after multiple mental health days. School staff will continue to connect with families and students to offer help, problem-solve barriers and support positive attendance habits. After nine absences, families may be required to provide documentation to excuse future absences.
Make-Up Work
Students who miss class, regardless of the absence type (excused and unexcused), are expected to initiate communication with their teacher upon their return to make up for missed learning and work.
Students should expect to make up missed summatives upon return to the class, unless an alternate makeup plan has been made with the teacher.
Students have up to five days to submit missing work. After the allotted five days, students have missed the opportunity to make up work. Accommodations for students with IEPs, 504s and ML who may have extended time opportunities will continue to be honored.
Athletics and Extracurricular Daily Attendance Expectation
We value extracurricular participation for students which allows for strong connections to be built as students pursue their passions and interests. We also place high value on students being in class and being on time as an expectation for extracurricular participation.
In order to participate in any after-school sport, performance or competitive activity, students must be in school and on time. A student who is absent (excused or unexcused) and/or excessively tardy (10 minutes or more) for more than two scheduled blocks is not eligible to actively participate that day.
If a student is at school but does not meet the threshold to participate, they may attend their extracurricular activity but are not permitted to actively participate.
College visits, bereavement leave and extenuating circumstances (approved by the Assistant Principal for Student Supports) will not count against participation in their extracurricular activity.
There are some co-curricular experiences that are connected to a course and grade, such as a curricular based music performance. Since these classes carry attendance and participation expectations, those co-curricular experiences are exempt from this requirement.
Social Privileges
Attendance is a factor in eligibility for important events such as Homecoming, Prom, senior celebrations, parking and attending athletic events. Specific communication regarding social event privileges and expectations will be communicated from each school.
Unexcused Absences and Tardies
Students who accumulate unexcused absences or excessive tardies (defined as arriving more than 10 minutes late to class) will be supported through a structured response process. When students reach key thresholds—specifically at 5, 10, 15 and 20 class absences or excessive tardies—families will receive written notifications outlining the concern and next steps.
At each of these levels, students will be required to make up lost time and address any learning gaps. Detentions will be assigned to provide time for academic recovery and reinforce the importance of consistent attendance. These measures are intended as an accountability measure and a way to support students in staying engaged, meeting expectations and building strong habits for future success.
A Shared Responsibility
We understand that every family’s circumstances are unique and we are here to support you. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to your school’s main office, counselor or attendance staff with questions or concerns. Together, we can ensure that students feel supported, connected and ready to succeed.
Thank you for partnering with us to ensure every student feels connected to their school community and is supported in showing up each day. This information is posted on your school’s website for continued access.
Every Day Counts!
If you have questions about the District 207 attendance expectations, please share your questions so we can update our information.