Willow Springs uses PickUpPatrol for parents/guardians to report absences from school and to ensure a safe dismissal for all students. Families will receive an email with registration instructions.

Willow Springs ES Attendance Policies and Procedures

https://www.pickuppatrol.net/

In the event of an absence or tardy please log in to PickUp Patrol or call 703-679-6066, or send handwritten notes with a student to school to report the absence of a student.  Please be specific as to a physician’s diagnosis such as strep throat or pinkeye. If your child has not seen a physician, please be specific about the symptoms your child is having such as fever, cough sore, throat headache, diarrhea, and vomiting. This information is tracked by our Public Health Nurse.

FCPS Regulation 2234 states that “regular attendance is necessary for maximum school achievement. In addition, punctuality and dependability in meeting assigned responsibilities are personal behavior habits valued in our society. To help students develop desirable behavior patterns as well as maximize their classroom learning, Fairfax County Public Schools requires that students be punctual and regular in school class attendance. Whenever attendance problems exist, appropriate school system resources shall be made available to support effective communication and intervention.” It is the responsibility of the students to verify with their teachers that their absences are excused, and it is the responsibility of the parents or guardians to excuse absences as soon as possible within three days of the absence. Also, the Student Responsibilities and Rights, Regulation 2601.22p, cites regular school attendance as one of the main student responsibilities.

EXCUSED ABSENCES, CHECK-INS, AND CHECK-OUTS

Acceptable Excuses – Illness, Doctor/Dentist Appointment, Religious Holiday, Pre-Arranged Absence, Death in the Family. 

If reporting an ill student, include symptoms, especially if they have fever, nausea, vomiting, sore throat, and/or cough. If your student has a diagnosis from a healthcare provider, please include that information.

EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

FCPS Regulation 2234 states that “the principal or his or her designee may require a physician’s note in cases of chronic or long-term illness.” According to our truancy officer, fifteen (15) excused absences are considered “excessive” and give the school reasonable cause to ask for a doctor’s a note/official documentation in order to excuse any future absences. This includes requests for travel and check-outs from the clinic.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES AND TARDIES

• Truancy – Truancy is against state law. Per FCPS Regulation 2234, the school is required to submit an attendance referral to the Fairfax County truancy officer whenever a student accrues five unexcused absences. Truancy can result in legal action for both the student and the parent.
• Tardies – Students are considered late to class if they arrive after the 9:15 a.m. bell.