Attendance
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At Penn-Delco, one of our greatest priorities is ensuring that all our students arrive safely at each school each day. To that end, we have announced a new, more efficient student absence reporting system called SafeArrival. This new system will make it easier for you to report your child's absence in a timely manner and eliminate the need to submit a written absence note.*
With SchoolMessenger's SafeArrival, you are asked to report your child's absence before the beginning of the school day by using any of these 3 convenient methods:
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Using your mobile device,download and install the SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store (or from the links at go.schoolmessenger.com). The first time you use the app, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence.
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Use the SafeArrival SchoolMessenger website: go.schoolmessenger.com. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your
account. Select Attendance then Report an Absence. -
Call the toll-free number (888)635-0460 to report an absence using the automated phone system. This number is the same attendance reporting number for all Penn-Delco Schools.
Please note that your username and password are the same for either the mobile app or the website. Options for reporting are available anytime, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week up to the cutoff time on the day of the absence (11am)
In addition, we will use the SchoolMessenger Communicate automated notification system to contact parents whose child is absent when the absence is not reported in advance (before the school day begins). The automated notification system will attempt to contact parents at multiple contact points for a reason for the absence. If our system is unable to reach the designated contacts, and the absence is not reported in the system by the daily cut-off (11am), parents must supply a written note.
If you report your child's absence using the SafeArrival toll-free number, website, or mobile app before the start of the school day, you will NOT receive these notifications and you will not need to supply a written note.
*If you do not use the SchoolMessenger SafeArrival absence reporting system by the cutoff time of 11am on the day of your child's absence, you will have to send in a written note within 5 days of the absence. Use our electronic absence note to be sure that your child's absence is recorded and considered lawful. By using the SchoolMessenger SafeArrival system, you negate the need for a written absence note.
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More details on attendance
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Unlawful Absences
Regular attendance at school is an important part of every student’s success and is necessary in order to gain the greatest benefit from the educational experience. Students who are frequently absent from school miss direct instruction and regular contact with their teachers. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law and School Board policy require regular daily attendance. When absences accumulate, it may ultimately result in academic difficulty.
Absences not recorded by SafeArrival during the specified timeframe shall be treated as unlawful until the school receives a written excuse explaining the absence. Parents and guardians have 5 days after an absence to submit a written note. A maximum of 10 cumulative, lawful absences shall be permitted during the school year. Request for excusal of absences after 10 lawful absences shall require a written physician’s note.
An unlawful absence shall be defined as an event in which a student is absent without a valid, acceptable physician’s note after the 10 lawful days policy. A student is considered habitually truant when he or she accumulates 6 or more unlawful absences.
A letter will be sent home if a child accumulates 3 or more unlawful absences documenting truancy. If a child accumulates 6 or more unlawful absences, the school will be required Student Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP). Continuous absences will include a citation/referral for truancy court.
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Excused Absences
- A half-day of absence will be recorded for students who arrive at school after 11:15am at the middle school.
- Students are required to complete at least one-half day of school (must arrive no later than 11:15am) in order to participate in sports, musical programs, or other school-sponsored activities. If a student is absent from school, he is not permitted on school grounds that day for an athletic event or activity practice or game without building administrators' approval.
- Parents of Northley students must choose one of the three ways to report any absence via the SafeArrival by SchoolMessenger platform (go to pdsd.org/attendance) on the morning of the student’s absence to officially notify the school that the student will not be in attendance.
- Absences or late arrivals or early dismissals should be reported through the SchoolMessenger SafeArrival System. If you do not report the absence, you must use the electronic absence note.
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Lateness
All students must attend school on a regular basis and arrive on time. We recommend students arrive at school by 8:05 a.m. Students must be in their classrooms for attendance when the bell rings at 8:15 a.m. to be counted as present. Late students are to report directly to the Main Office and must obtain a late pass.
Families can report a late arrival using our attendance platform Safearrival by SchoolMessenger (pdsd.org/attendance). The only legitimate excuses for being late to school are doctor and dentist appointments or illness of the student. Oversleeping, missing the bus, mechanical difficulties, etc. are not considered legitimate reasons for being late to school. Students must hand in doctor’s notes to the attendance office or by uploading in the SafeArrival attendance program when coming in late to school. The doctor’s notes will not be accepted at a later date.
Parents may use the SchoolMessenger SafeArrival system to report a late attendance or use an electronic absence note.
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Early Dismissal
It is expected that all efforts be made to schedule appointments during non-school hours. However, it is also understood that events occur for which we are unable to prepare. If an early dismissal is needed, requests must be made through our attendance platform SafeArrival by SchoolMessenger before the appointment.
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Vacations
Vacations should not be planned when school is in session. If a vacation during the school year cannot be avoided, it cannot be considered an excused absence unless requested in writing and pre-approved by the principal. Vacations for students in grades 6,7, or 8 will not be approved one week before or during the PSSA testing window. The district will approve up to 5 vacations days per student per year. Students will be required to make up classroom work within five days of the student’s return unless other arrangements are made with the teacher.
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PSSA Assessment Dates and Attendance
The annual state assessment for all students in grades six, seven and eight (PSSA) will be administered on pre-determined dates (by the state) during the school year. It is imperative that all students attend school during these dates. Please avoid scheduling trips or vacation one week before or during these periods.
- English Language Arts (ELA) April 22- April 26, 2024
- Math, Science, and Make Ups April 29- May 10, 2024
You can go to pdsd.org/pssa for more information about PSSA Testing.