Every Day Matters at Des Moines Public Schools in part because regular attendance means students can keep up in class and not feel frustrated, have a stronger foundation of learning, and stay on track for graduation. Click here to learn more about the benefits of regular attendance and the drawbacks of chronic absenteeism.

DMPS STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY

The DMPS student attendance policy is based on the belief that all families value the importance of their child’s education. Through a meaningful partnership with schools and consistent communication, together we can overcome obstacles that impact regular school attendance.

• In accordance with Iowa Code, Chapter 299, “The parent, guardian, or legal or actual custodian of a child who is of compulsory attendance age (6-16 years old), shall cause the child to attend some public school, an accredited nonpublic school, or competent private instruction.”

Des Moines Public Schools strongly encourages parents/guardians to maintain communication with school staff regarding their student’s attendance in school. Parents/guardians should make every attempt to notify a school in a timely manner when their student will be absent from school.

• Illness or medical injury: If a student misses more than 3 days in a row due to illness, parents/ guardians are encouraged to contact their medical provider or DMPS Community Center and Clinic. The DMPS Community Center and Clinics (Primary Health Care Medical Clinic and Nolden Gentry Dental Clinic) located at Kurtz are available to any student who does not have a regular medical provider. Please call the Community Center and Clinics (515- 242-8488) or contact your student’s school nurse if you would like additional information about this service or other health services.
• Excessive absences: If a student meets the threshold of excessive absences of known and unknown days combined (6 days for elementary, 8 days for middle and high) doctor’s notes (or working with the school nurse) may be required for all absences moving forward.
• Chronic absenteeism: Students are considered chronically absent when they are absent from school for more than 10% of the hours or days in a grading period (semester). Chronic absenteeism includes both known and unknown days of absences. When the student meets the 10% chronic absenteeism threshold, a doctor’s note (or working with the school nurse) will be required for all absences moving forward in a grading period. Families will be notified by mail of their child’s chronic absenteeism, the policy for 15% chronic absenteeism, and the possibility of truancy court. Parents/guardians of students who are absent from school for greater than or equal to 15% of the hours or days in a grading period (semester) will be invited to participate in a school engagement meeting to create an attendance agreement plan that will be signed by all participants.
• Participation in school related activities: students may participate in school sponsored events or activities such as: athletics and activities, college and/ or career related visits, official DMPS community partner sponsored events, and others as pre-approved by a Principal or Associate Principal. Students may participate in student support services at school (i.e.: school- based therapy, visit to school nurse, visit to school counselor, etc.).
• Participation in religious or cultural activities/ observances: parents should notify their student’s school in advance for absences related to religious holidays or cultural observance.
• Family related circumstances: students may miss school due to family related circumstances which may include illness of a family member, family emergency, death of an immediate family member, or participation in a family activity.
• Other circumstances: other events that may result in a student’s absence from school include attendance at court or legal proceedings.
• All other absences or absences without contact will be considered unknown. Examples include skipping class or missing school without notification.

Chronic Absenteeism Notice

When a student reaches 15% chronic absenteeism during a grading period (semester), schools will review to determine if a referral to truancy court will be made in addition to other interventions.

The following protocols exist for students who arrive late to school or leave early from school.

Elementary Schools

• Students who arrive at school after the first bell of the day should check in with the office before going to class and will be considered absent for any time missed. Absences will be unexcused unless appropriate documentation is provided.
• Students who leave school before the last bell of the day will be considered absent for any time missed. Absences will be unexcused unless appropriate documentation is provided.

Middle and High Schools

• Students who arrive at school after the first bell of the day should check in with the main office (middle school) or attendance office (high school) before going to class and will be considered absent for any time missed. Absences will be unexcused unless appropriate documentation is provided.
• Students who arrive to class before the end of the period will be considered tardy.
• Students who miss an entire class period will be considered absent for that period.
• Students who leave school before the last bell of the day will be considered absent for any time missed. Absences will be unexcused unless appropriate documentation is provided.

Changing Schools: If you are moving and your child will no longer attend their current school, please communicate with the office staff at your child’s school and provide the name of the school where you will be enrolling your child.

Extended Travel: If your family will be traveling for an extended period, please communicate this information with the office staff at your child’s school.

Attendance is the foundation for learning and achievement. When students attend class regularly, they learn fundamental reading and math skills and build habits of good attendance that carry them into the next stage of their life. Des Moines Public Schools is committed to working with students, families, and the community to ensure each student’s personal and academic success.