Attendance Policy

Policy

Regular school attendance has a direct impact on school performance. Research indicates that students that miss 10% of the school year (18 days) for any reason are more likely to score lower on achievement tests and fall behind their peers in learning. There is evidence that poor attendance can influence whether children read proficiently by the end of third grade. By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school and data trends show that missing 18 days in a school year negatively affects a student’s academic performance and impacts your school’s accreditation. Each day's absence is a student missing several hours of instruction and making up assignments cannot replace the value of in-class learning time. 

It is the Bedford County Public Schools mission to provide equal opportunities to enable all students to think critically, collaborate, create, communicate, and become productive citizens. We appreciate your support and cooperation in helping your child maintain good school attendance. 

BCPS Student Code of Conduct -See attendance policy on pages 41-44
Code of Virginia
VDOE Attendance and School Engagement


Pre-Arranged Absences

Family trips or vacations that will result in absences from school must be pre-approved by the principal. Students are responsible for coordinating missed assignments with their teachers and should aim to complete work before or during the trip. Pre-arranged absences DO COUNT towards the overall number of absences. The truancy process is initiative after ten parent-excused absences.

The form must be submitted 5 school days prior to the requested absence.

Pre-Arranged Absence Form (Word|PDF)