Attendance Office
Office: 240.740.1400
Absence
When a student is absent for all or part of a school day, a parent or guardian must report the absence in writing or email (a note doesn’t mean the absence is excused). It is not necessary to call. The absence note or email must be sent by a parent or guardian to the attendance secretary within three school days after the student returns to school. Otherwise, the absence will be considered unexcused. Please see the attendance template to print off and use for your convenience. The absence note should include the following:
- Student Name
- ID Number
- Grade
- Correct Dates of Absence and/or period(s)
- Specific Reason for the Absence
- Parent/Guardian daytime telephone number
- Parent/Guardian signature
- A doctor’s note for absences greater than three days
Have your student make up missed work- Students should communicate with their teachers to obtain missed assignment instructions.
Early Departure
Send a note or email to the attendance secretary in advance for all planned early dismissals (e.g. a dentist appointment). You may use the absence note template for paper notes. Be sure to include:
- Student Name
- ID Number
- Grade
- Date & time of dismissal
- Whether the student is driving or will be picked up
- Specific Reason for leaving (‘family emergency’ is too vague)
- Parent/Guardian daytime telephone number
- Parent/Guardian signature
College Visits
Juniors and Seniors: If you are planning a college visit, please submit a note or email from your parent or guardian. Also, please submit a confirmation letter or email from the college as well to the attendance office at least three days in advance to be excused. Blake High School permits up to five college visits per current school year. Check with attendance periodically to see how many visits you have remaining.
Extended Absences Needing Prior Approval
Students requesting an extended absence must send in a note or email from the parent or guardian to an administrator for prior approval.
The Blake student handbook includes more detailed information regarding the MCPS attendance policy and guidelines. Please be sure to review the policy with your student at the beginning of school.
Board Policy
See Montgomery County Public Schools Regulation, JEA-RA, Student Attendance for more information.
Last Updated: 04/08/21