Attendance Procedures
Arts Academy Charter Middle School believes that consistent attendance is crucial to your child’s successful learning. We also understand the importance of knowing that you entrust AACMS with your child’s care while they are with us. In our effort to keep track of all students at all times, we ask for your cooperation with the procedures outlined on this page.
How to Contact Us
Please contact the Main Office with any attendance questions or to report a student's absence.
By Email
By Phone
(610) 351-0234 (Opt. 1)
Absences
Parents/guardians MUST report student absences to the Main Office whenever a student misses school without pre-approval. Parents/guardians must notify the school of plannet student absences at least ten (10) days prior to the absence.
Reporting a Student Absence
On days when your child will be absent, please email or call the Main Office before 9:30am. In your message, please include your child’s first and last name, grade level, and the reason for their absence. Your child will be marked as Absent Unexcused until the school receives an absentee note.
Parents/guardians who do not notify AACMS of their child's absence will receive an automated phone call informing them that their student is not in school.
Within 3 days of your child’s return to school, send in a written note which includes your child’s name, date(s) of absence(s), and reason. Without this note, your child’s absence will remain “unexcused”. If your child was seen by a Doctor, submit the doctor’s note with-in 3 days of their return.
Parents/guardians who do not notify AACMS of their child's absence will receive an automated phone call informing them that their student is not in school.
Within 3 days of your child’s return to school, send in a written note which includes your child’s name, date(s) of absence(s), and reason. Without this note, your child’s absence will remain “unexcused”. If your child was seen by a Doctor, submit the doctor’s note with-in 3 days of their return.
Requesting Planned Absences
Parents/guardians must request pre-approval for any planned student absence, including those due to pre-professional or professional performance, auditions, or family vacations. Pre-Approved Absence Forms can be obtained online or at the AACMS Main Office.
Absence Excuse Template
Pre-Approved Absence Form
Absence Excuse Template
Pre-Approved Absence Form
Late Arrivals & Early Dismissals
If your child will arrive to school late or depart early due to a medical appointment, please provide a note from your healthcare provider explaining the nature of the visit.
Early Student Pickup
Please provide a signed note to the Main Office no later than the morning of the early pick-up including the student’s full name, grade level, time of dismissal, and reason for the early pick-up. Students should send these notes to the Main Office during morning homeroom.
At the designated time, please visit the AACMS Main Office window to complete the sign-out process. For the child’s safety, you will be asked to provide ID. The Main Office staff will call the classroom for the child upon the parent/guardian arrival.
In an emergency situation, parents/guardians may call the school to request an early student pick-up. A signed note explaining the reason for the pick-up must be submitted to school upon the student’s return.
At the designated time, please visit the AACMS Main Office window to complete the sign-out process. For the child’s safety, you will be asked to provide ID. The Main Office staff will call the classroom for the child upon the parent/guardian arrival.
In an emergency situation, parents/guardians may call the school to request an early student pick-up. A signed note explaining the reason for the pick-up must be submitted to school upon the student’s return.
Tardy Student Procedure
Please email the Main Office with your child's first and last name, the date, and the reason your child will be late to school.
Students who arrive at school after the start of classes at 7:50am must enter at the main entrance and check in with the Main Office before reporting to class.
Parents/guardians must submit a signed note explaining the reason for the student’s lateness upon their arrival to school. If you child is late due to a doctor's visit, please provide a doctor's note.
Students must arrive at school no later than 10:20am to be eligible for participation in that day’s after-school activities and/or performances.
Students who arrive at school after the start of classes at 7:50am must enter at the main entrance and check in with the Main Office before reporting to class.
Parents/guardians must submit a signed note explaining the reason for the student’s lateness upon their arrival to school. If you child is late due to a doctor's visit, please provide a doctor's note.
Students must arrive at school no later than 10:20am to be eligible for participation in that day’s after-school activities and/or performances.
Truancy Policies & Procedures
A student shall be considered truant after they have accrued 3 unexcused absences. Once a student is considered truant, the school will schedule a Truancy Improvement Plan meeting. The purpose of this meeting is to identify the cause(s) of the unexcused absences and create a plan to improve attendance. For more information on the Arts Academy Charter School’s Truancy, refer to Policy 2.4.2 on the school’s website.
Attendance Definitions
This section provides definitions for terms used in the attendance procedures listed above. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact the Main Office.