Attendance

Every Day Counts!

Regular school attendance builds strong learning habits, strengthens relationships, and sets students up for lifelong success. When students miss school, they miss valuable instruction, activities, and social connections that can’t be easily replaced.

Attendance Procedures

• Parents/guardians are required to turn in a written excuse within three school days of an absence. Students attending the Lebanon Career and Technology Center are required to present a note to both the high school and the CTC.
• If a written excuse is not provided, the days of absence shall be considered unexcused. For students under age 18, unexcused absences will become unlawful and may result in a summary conviction for a violation of compulsory school attendance laws.
• A medical excuse must be provided to excuse an absence if the student has any combination of 10 total parent notes and/or unlawful absences during the school year.
• Unexcused tardiness can be cumulative and converted into days of unexcused absence. This action may result in an offense punishable by a fine for students of compulsory school age or a referral for disciplinary action.
• Educational trips (maximum period of up to ten (10) school days) and/or family emergencies must be approved prior to the trip by the building principal or district administration.
• If you elect to register your child into the four (4) or five (5) year old kindergarten program (K4 or K5) your child WILL be subject to compulsory education (attendance) rules as outlined by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Early Dismissal Procedures

Early dismissals from school are considered an absence from school and will follow the same guidelines for being excused/unexcused. Students are responsible for making up all work missed in a timely fashion while being dismissed from school for excused reasons. If a student wishes to be dismissed early from school, they are required to submit to the Attendance Office/Main Office a written note that contains the following:

• Student's first & last name
• Day and time for dismissal
• Reason for early dismissal
• Signature of parent or guardian or first & last name of the person picking up if it’s not the parent or legal guardian. ID is required to be presented at the time of pick up.

Excused Absences

The following are recognized as lawful or excused absences when a note is received within three (3) days of the absence:

• Student illness or injury

• Verified family emergency

• Death in the family

• Court/legal hearing

• Non-school sponsored trips/family trip (Trips require a one week in advance notice. Trips requesting 10 or more days or during state testing periods may not be approved.)

• College tours (pre-approved with a one week notice)

• Observance of a religious holiday

• Medical or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled outside school hours

Reminder: A written or electronic excuse must be received within three (3) school days of your child’s return. Without an excuse, the absence becomes unexcused.

Parent Notes for Absence Must Contain

• Student’s first & last name
• Reason for absence
• Date of absence
• Signature of parent/guardian

Unexcused Absences

Any absence without a valid excuse or proper documentation is considered unexcused. Unexcused absences can add up quickly, which may affect your child’s participation in activities and progress in school.

When Absences Add Up

• After 3 unexcused absences or 12 unlawful tardies or 12 unlawful early dismissals: A student is considered truant and will be assigned to a SAIP coordinator. Parent/guardian will receive a notice from the district within ten school days of the student's third unexcused absence.

• After 6 unexcused absences, a student is considered habitually truant. A Student Attendance Improvement Plan will be created for the student which requires a meeting with a SAIP coordinator.

School Attendance Improvement Plan Conference

Upon the accrual of 6 unexcused absences, parents/guardians will receive written notice and will be invited to a meeting with a SAIP coordinator to create a plan for better attendance. Continued unexcused absences can lead to referrals to Children & Youth Services or a citation through the district court including a possible court issued fine of up to $750 per citation.

How Families Can Help

• Establish consistent morning and bedtime routines.

• Schedule appointments before or after school.

• Communicate early with your child’s school if attendance is a struggle.

• Use the Parent Portal to monitor attendance and grades.

If your family is facing challenges with transportation, illness, or other obstacles, please reach out. We are here to support you.

Tips for Success

Regular attendance is necessary in order for your child to grow academically and socially in school. Please make on-time attendance a top priority this school year. In the event of an illness, medical appointment, or other verified absences, please use turn a slip into the office within three days of the absence.

• Students arrive on-time with any supplies they need for the day.
• Students have a consistent schedule that includes an age appropriate bedtime and morning routine.
• Vacations are scheduled when school is not in session.
• Student appointments are made outside of the school day, or are made at the beginning or end of the school day.

In Summary

Every day your child is present, they grow, learn, and connect.
Let’s work together to make attendance a priority — because every day truly counts!

When a student is absent from school, a written excuse must be submitted to the school within three (3) days of the student’s return.

There are three ways to submit an absence excusal note:

1. Email:

• Harding: HD-Attendance@lebanon.k12.pa.us
• Henry Houck: HH-Attendance@lebanon.k12.pa.us
• Northwest: NW-Attendance@lebanon.k12.pa.us
• Southeast: SE-Attendance@lebanon.k12.pa.us
• Southwest: SW-Attendance@lebanon.k12.pa.us
• Intermediate: IS-Attendance@lebanon.k12.pa.us
• Junior High: JH-Attendance@lebanon.k12.pa.us
• High School: HS-Attendance@lebanon.k12.pa.us

2. Hand Written Note:

• Send a hand written note to school with your child.

3. Safe Arrival PowerSchool App:

Steps to Use SafeArrival – PowerSchool App:

1. Download the App: Search for PowerSchool (MyPowerHub) in the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and download it.

2. Sign Up / Log In: Open the app and tap Sign Up. Enter the email address you have on file with your school's PowerSchool account and enter your password.

3. Open the Menu in the bottom right corner, then click on Safe Arrival!

4. Report an Absence: Tap the Report an Absence button & fill in the details:

o Select your student's name.

o Select the type of absence (Full Day, Late Arrival, Early Departure, etc.)

o Choose the Reason for the absence (e.g., Illness, Medical Appointment, Vacation).

o Choose the Date(s).

o Add any comments or Upload any needed notes.

5. Submit: Review the information and tap Send or Submit.

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