Welcome to the PHS Attendance Page
Dear Ponderosa Parents/Guardians,
Last year, as a staff and administrative team, we placed a renewed focus on attendance and will continue to do so in order to be in compliance with the state of Colorado’s compulsory attendance laws. Here is what the research says:
- 1 in 3 Colorado students were chronically absent after the Covid-19 pandemic.
- In ninth grade, attendance is actually a better predictor than test scores in regards to whether or not a student will complete high school.
- An average of nearly 113,000 Colorado students are habitually truant during the school year. (CDE Attendance and Truancy website 2023)
- 82% of students referred for Dropout Reduction have a history of chronic absenteeism (missing 10% or more of their schooling over a consistent period of time).
As we’re sure you’ll agree, being present is half the formula of being a successful high school student. Thus, if a student has an unexcused absence that has not been formally excused by a parent or guardian through the attendance office within 48 hours, a member of our administrative team will be following up to assign appropriate disciplinary action.
We love seeing every one of our students here in-building and simply ask that if they cannot be here for the full day or part of a day, that you call and excuse their absence as soon as possible.
We appreciate your assistance!
Your PHS Admin Team
PHS Attendance Office: 303-387-4002
Attendance Reporting
All student absences must be reported by the legal guardian of the student to the attendance office. Students, even those over 18, are not allowed to call in and excuse an absence.
Full Day Absence
Please call the PHS Attendance Office at 303-387-4002 by 10:00 am if your child will be excused for the entire day. Leave a message that includes: student’s name, date, name of person calling, relationship to student and contact number. Please include a detailed reason for the absence to be approved by administration.
Early Dismissal or Late Arrival
Parents: The preferred method to excuse a student that will be leaving early or arriving at school late is via a handwritten note.
The note must be written in ink and include:
- Student’s name/date/time of absence
- If he or she will be returning to school (for early dismissal
- Parent signature and contact information
A call may be left on the attendance line, but this line is only checked periodically during the day. In the case of an emergency or prompt dismissal, please call the main school line at 303-387-4000.
Students: Students must check in AND check out at the attendance office when leaving early or arriving late (this does not include arriving back at school from off hours or open campus). **Please note, freshmen DO NOT have off-campus privileges**
If a student is leaving campus during an off hour and will not be returning for scheduled classes, they must check out at the attendance office and be excused by a parent or guardian.
Early Dismissal: Illness
If a student becomes ill during the school day, they must report to the health room located in the athletic office for an early dismissal.
For guidelines for determining student attendance, please see the district guidelines.
Extended Absence
If a student will be away from school for more than (3) consecutive days, other than for medical reasons, an attendance adjustment form must be submitted in advance.
Tardies
Timely attendance in class is essential for academic success. Consequently, (4) unexcused tardies will be equal to (1) unexcused absence and result in disciplinary action.