Attendance and Truancy
Regular attendance is essential to student success. Attending school every day and arriving on time helps students stay engaged in learning, build positive habits, and take full advantage of educational opportunities.
The Wilkinsburg School District is committed to partnership with students, families, staff, and the community to promote strong attendance and support student success. Everyone plays an important role in ensuring students have consistent access to learning.
When students attend school regularly, they are more likely to:
- Build strong academic foundations;
- Stay connected with teachers and classmates;
- Participate in classroom activities and school programs; and
- Develop the skills and habits needed for success.
Reporting an Absence
We understand that students may occasionally need to miss school due to illness or unexpected circumstances. In accordance with Board Policy 204: Attendance, absences and tardies must meet established criteria to be considered excused.
If your child is absent, an excuse must be submitted within three (3) school days of their return to school. If an excuse is not received within this timeframe, the absence will be considered unexcused.
Families may submit an excuse using one of the following methods:
- Send a written excuse with your child when they return to school
- Complete the appropriate online attendance excuse form:
- Email the excuse to absentexcuse@wilkinsburgschools.org
For an absence to be considered excused, it must include:
- Student's Full Name
- Date of Absence
- Reason for Absence
- Parent/Guardian Signature (email excuses are accepted without a signature)
A maximum of ten (10) days of absences may be excused by written notice from a parent/guardian during the school year. All absences beyond ten (10) cumulative days require a written excuse from a licensed physician.
Truancy
Under Pennsylvania's Compulsory School Attendance Law, students are required to attend school until age 17. Excessive absences and unexcused absences may impact a student's academic progress and may result in the district following required truancy procedures.
The Wilkinsburg School District works with families to address attendance concerns and identify barriers that may prevent students from attending school regularly.
For questions regarding attendance or truancy, please contact Jordan Manos at manosj@wilkinsburgschool.org.