By state law, children must attend school from ages 5 to 15. The Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE) has defined full and partial day attendance as follows: 

• A student is counted present for a full day if the student is in attendance 4 hours or more of the school day.
• A student is counted present for half day if the student is in attendance for at least 2 hours of the school day, but less than 4 hours.
• A student scheduled for less than a full day is to be counted present based on the amount of time he/she is scheduled.

A note from the parent must be submitted to the school within two school days of the student’s return, indicating the date and reason for tardiness or absence from a regular school session.  A doctor’s certificate is required in cases of long-term absence due to illness. A note should also be submitted to request early dismissal or exclusion from activities (e.g., physical education). Chronic absences are referred to the Office of Student Services.

Late Arrivals

Students who arrive to school after 9:25a.m. MUST be accompanied by a parent to the Main Office to be signed in before reporting to class.

Parent/Visitor Reminder

Visitors are required to register in the front office. A Maryland Drivers License or picture ID is required.

Parking Reminder

Please do not park in the bus lane during school hours. 

• Students are encouraged to arrive by 9:15am
• Student supervision begins at 9:10am.  

Absence Policies

A parent note explaining a student's absence is required upon returning to school. Please include date(s) of absence(s). When a student in absent 3 or more consecutive days a doctor's note is requested upon the student's return to school. Also, any student who has been absent with a fever must be fever-free, without medication, for 24 hours.

If a student has been absent due to vomiting/diarrhea, the student must stay home for 24 hours following the end of the episode of illness.

Procedural guidelines for absences for religious observances

An absence for Religious Obligation form must be completed and submitted to the school under Policy 3000, Religious Observances. 

• Static Religious Obligation Form
• Fillable PDF Religious Obligation Form

All requests should be submitted, whenever possible, at the beginning of the school year, but not later than 2 weeks in advance of the request to the principal. If applicable, the request will be forwarded to the Office of Equity Assurance. (Requests not received in advance may not be eligible for approval.)

In accordance with Policy 9010, Attendance, students returning from lawful absences have an equal number of  days to complete make-up work. 

Questions regarding Policy 3000 may be directed to the Office of Equity Assurance at 410-313-6654.