Ballard HS Attendance

Ballard High School has a school-wide attendance policy that reflects our belief that student success and achievement is positively related to regular and timely attendance to class. The Ballard HS Attendance Policy is outlined in the Student Handbook. Tardiness interrupts and interferes with the instructional program being offered in a classroom.

Report an Absence

Student absences can only be excused by a note signed by a parent/guardian or by email from a parent/guardian. Email student absences and early release; ballardhs.attendance@seattleschools.org

Attendance Errors

If your student was marked absent by mistake, please contact the teacher that marked them absent. The Teacher’s permission is needed to remove an absence.

Early Dismissal Instructions

Early Dismissals: Students leaving school during the school day, even if the student is returning to school.

Students need to be excused in advance for Early Dismissals, please send a note or email by the morning of the day of the Early Dismissal. Early Dismissals excused after the time of the Early Dismissal are not excused. ballardhs.attendance@seattleschools.org.

Notes/emails need to have the following

• The Student’s First and Last Name
• Reason for Early Dismissal
• Date and Time student needs to leave
• Will Student be returning to school?
• Your Name and Relationship to Student.

Students need an “Early Dismissal Pass” to leave school during a class period. Student can pick up their pass here in The Attendance Office. If the student will be returning to school after their appointment they need to check back in at The Attendance Office.

Please plan in advance with your student where you will meet them if you are picking them up. It can take time and may be hard to locate a student during class. Students with “Early Dismissal Passes” can leave class at the time on their pass. The parent/guardian picking up the student does not need to come in to the Attendance Office to check out the student.

• * Pre-Arranged Absences/Parent Initiated – Students who knowingly will be absent two or more days should complete a Pre-Arranged Absence Form also available in the Main and Attendance Office to notify their teachers of their absence and arrange for makeup work, if required. The Pre-Arranged Absence Form needs to be completed and returned to the Attendance Office three days prior to the absence.

• Pre-Arranged Absences/Field Trips School Initiated – Activities such as field trips require a Pre-Arranged Absence Form.  Students should complete a “Pre-Arranged Absence Form” from the teacher in charge of the field trip to notify their teachers of their absence and arrange for makeup work, if required.  The “Pre-Arranged Absence Form” should be completed and returned to the teacher three days prior to the absence.  The teacher informs The Attendance Office about the Field Trip so students can be excused.

School Messenger Calls and Emails

School Messenger sends automated attendance calls and emails to notify parents/guardians of student absences. If you have not already emailed the Ballard HS Attendance Office regarding the absence you can reply to the School Messenger email to excuse the absence. Please do not respond to School Messenger if you have already emailed the Attendance Office. Absences can’t always be excused before the School Messenger calls and sends emails.

As of October 23, 2026

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District Updates

SPS Student Attendance

All children in Washington state have a constitutionally guaranteed right to an education. They are also legally required to attend school. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% of school, regardless of the reason — that’s 18 days in a school year!

Regular school attendance is the key to student academic success. Attendance has a dramatic impact on key milestones, including 3rd grade reading, 9th grade achievement, high school graduation, and life success.

Unexcused Absences and Truancy – WA State Law “Becca Bill”

If a student has unexcused absences, Washington state law requires that schools take specific actions:

How can families help?

We miss your student when they are gone, and we value their contributions to their school. Please help us ensure your student attends regularly and is successful in school:

• Have your child attend school unless they are truly sick, such as a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, a contagious rash, any health conditions related to COVID-19 or other communicable diseases as defined in WA state law.
  • When is my child too sick for school?
• Schedule appointments and arrange travel for times when school is not in session.
• Keep track of your child’s attendance. Missing school, excused or unexcused, puts your child at risk of falling behind.
  • Compulsory Attendance Letters (translations available)
• Maintain communication with your student’s school and teacher if additional support is needed or to discuss barriers that prevent your student from participation.
• Set a regular bedtime and morning routine. Ensure that your child finishes their homework the night before.

Contact your school:

• To report a student absence
• If you have a question about an automated message you received
• If you have general attendance questions

Contact the SPS Attendance Office:

• If you have questions about truancy
• If you have questions about an attendance letter you received from the district or court

SPS Attendance Office
attendance@seattleschools.org 
206-252-0827
SPS Attendance Office webpage