Attendance Policy

Please see the Procedures for Attendance and Truancy for The School District of Philadelphia’s official policies.

Regular attendance, except in case of serious illness, is a requirement at Mary McLeod Bethune School.

In order for students to receive an excused absence:

  • Parents or guardians should write an absence excuse note giving name, date, days of absence, and reason of absence.
  • Excuse must be presented to the teacher on the day of the return from school.

When is sick too sick for school?

Everyday attendance is necessary for your child to succeed. Students who come to school everyday are more successful in school. The expectation is that all students have 95% attendance. Attending school 95% or more of the time best supports student achievement.

The attendance policy for the School District of Philadelphia indicates a truancy referral once unexcused absences reach 10 or more. Since it is the parents’ responsibility for young children to attend school, students in grades K – 2 with 10 or more unexcused absences will be referred to DHS-Truancy.

As a reminder, absent notes need to be submitted to the school, no more than 3 days if the students returns from an absence in order for an absence to be excused.

Late arrival interferes with school and class procedures. Students are considered late if they are not with their lines by 8:30.