Dear SCPS Families,

As a district, we are committed to improving student attendance and making it easier for families to share with us if your child needs to miss school. Beginning in the 2025-2026 school year, absence requests can be submitted through your Skyward Family Access Portal. Medical and doctor’s notes, court documents, or religious instruction will still need to be provided for documentation along with the absence request. If your family does not have internet access, paper notes are still acceptable in this situation.

This will help us keep accurate records and make the process faster and more efficient for everyone. Regular school attendance is crucial for academic achievement, and we want to partner with our families to ensure every student has as much time in class as possible.

To learn how to submit an absence request, please click HERE.

What counts as an “excused” absence?

After you submit the absence request, school staff will review it to ensure it meets the board policy for an excused absence. Here are the most common reasons that may be excused:

· Your child is sick (Illness that lasts longer than 5 consecutive days may require a doctor’s note)

· Doctor or medical appointments

· Required court appearances

· Death in the immediate family

· Religious holidays or instruction

· Approved school activities or events

· Therapy appointments (speech, occupational, ABA, etc.)

· Attendance at a DCF-supervised program

· Significant community events (with principal’s prior approval)

· Other special situations approved by the principal

· Insurmountable conditions, like extreme weather or public health concerns

 

Each absence request will be reviewed in accordance with School Board Policy 5200.

If you have questions or need help accessing Skyward, please connect with your school directly. We’re here to help!

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s success through regular attendance and open communication.