Attendance

Consistent and timely attendance is one of the most important factors that contribute to a student’s success in school. The expectation at Dunstan is that all students attend every class, attend every day, and be on time to make the most of their educational experience.

We do recognize that there are times when students must miss school due to illness, appointments, etc. If this becomes excessive or if absences are detrimental for the student, there may be cause for follow-up with the student and family to develop understanding and problem-solve together.

Good attendance is a requirement at DMS. This includes being on time at the start of the day and on time at the start of every class.

Please make appointments for your student before class time. Students start classes at 8:55 a.m. every day, leaving plenty of time to schedule appointments before school. Be aware that students entering and leaving class during class time not only disrupts your student’s work, but also the teacher and the learning environment for others.

• ANY NOTE OR EMAIL WRITTEN TO THE OFFICE MUST HAVE A STUDENT’S LEGALLY GIVEN FIRST AND LAST NAMES.  NO NICKNAMES PLEASE!
• Parents/Guardians must come into school with a state issued ID and sign the student in and out during the school day. Please only call the attendance line when your student misses FULL DAYS of school.
• NEW If you know your student will have an appointment during the school day, send a note with your student with the time that you will pick them up and have them bring it to the main office before Advise the SAME DAY and exchange it for a pass. This process will help to ensure that your student is in the office waiting for you otherwise, make sure to allow plenty of time when you arrive for your student to be called to the office.
• NEW If your student attended school and was marked Tardy or Absent by a teacher, the student,parent/guardian must contact the teacher directly (not the main office) for an explanation or correction. Teacher contact information can be found on Dunstan’s Staff Directory.

Students who know they are going to be gone for more than 3 consecutive days must complete the Pre-arranged Absence Form and return it to Dunstan’s main office (or email/fax) no later than 3 days prior to the scheduled absence.

Pre-arranged Absence Form

Email: hilary.chow@jeffco.k12.co.us
Fax line: 303-982-9269

The importance of regular, daily school attendance as a basis for academic achievement cannot be overemphasized. Attendance is a shared responsibility of the student, the families and the school.

It is the family’s responsibility to ensure their student attends school and to notify the school when their student is absent for a legitimate reason, such as an illness or family emergency. Each family should also ensure their student’s school has their correct contact information so that the school is able to communicate about any attendance issues that may arise.

• Board Attendance Policy (JH)
• Board Policy (JHB) for Truancy