Attendance

  • At Grout Elementary attendance is extremely important. Research shows that regular attendance has a direct correlation to a child’s academic success. Students need to be in class every day to benefit from the teacher’s instruction, the interaction with peers and the exchange of ideas that leads to a more in-depth understanding of content. 

    Who do I contact to report a student absence?

    You can call the Attendance Office – 503-916-6209 Option #2

    Or Email the School Secretary– C Lo Alston at cericksonalston@pps.net

    The expectations for students at Grout Elementary School are to:

    * Attend class regularly.

    * Be on time when reporting to school.

    * Make up all work missed due to an absence or tardy in order to not miss the learning opportunity.

    Parents who monitor attendance closely increase the likeliness of success for their students. You can help by:

    * Sending a written note to school with your student following an absence. (Remember to include: Student's name, Date(s) of absence and time if the student is gone for part of the day. Reason for absence and Signature of the parent/guardian with a current contact phone number)

    * Excusing your child for illness, doctor, dental and family emergency.

    * Make sure the school has your accurate daytime contact information, including cell phone number and/or e-mail address.

    * Communicate often with your child’s teacher.

    Frequently Asked Questions:

    What do I need to do if my student is absent?

    The first day that they return, be sure to send a note from a parent, doctor, etc. to the Attendance Office.

    Notes should clearly list the student’s name, the date(s) of absence, and the reason for absence. Notes must be signed by a parent or legal guardian. 

    What do I need to do if my student is arriving late or leaving early?

    Students needing to leave before the end of the school day must present a note from a parent/guardian to the Attendance Office and must be picked up by a parent, guardian, or someone who is listed on their emergency contacts. If the person is not an emergency contact, and the office has not been notified by the parent that they can leave with this person, they will not be dismissed to them.  

    Students who arrive to school late must sign in at the office. Please also note that if half of the day is missed, the student will be marked absent for the entire day.

    What makes an absence excused or unexcused?

    Excused absence means that the parent or guardian provided an excusable reason for the absence in writing either prior to the absence or within three days after the student’s return to class.

    Most unexcused absences are the result of students not bringing notes for their absences within the three-day window.

    Why am I getting letters and phone calls about my absences?

    Each morning and evening automated phone calls will be made to parent to notify them of any student absences. These calls are for notification purposes; you can leave a message and the attendance office will mark the absence excused accordingly. Please make sure to submit the phone number that you prefer to receive these automated phone calls at. Cell phone numbers may be used for this purpose – parents should contact Emelie Alvarado to have a number added to the auto-dialer.

    In the event that your child is absent for 10 consecutive school days, they will be inactivated (even if the absence is excused.) In order to get them reactivated you will have to fill out a new registration form and return it to the office.

    Who do I contact if I have questions? 

    Attendance Office – 503-916-6209 C Lo Alston (cericksonalston@pps.net)