Attendance

School attendance is required for all students who reach five years of age on or before September 30 th of the current school year.

School Hours, Arrival, & Dismissal

  • School hours are 8:35 – 3:15
  • Students join their teachers on the South Terrace and Turf Field At the 8:35, we begin Jamboree, entering the building and starting our day at 8:40. On the first days of school, look for the class sign to locate your teacher. Parents will say goodbye to students prior to their entry into the building, even on the first day of school. Please feel welcome but not obligated to attend Jamboree.
  • Before school supervision is provided by Janney AfterCare (JAC) on the Janney campus (7:30 – 8:40). The school does not provide supervision of students on the playground or Terrace prior to 8:35. Students arriving before 8:35 must be under the care of a parent/ care-giver.
  • Dismissal, again from the East Field or Turf Field, takes place promptly at 3:10 for PreK and K and 3:15 for grades 1-5. Students are expected to remain with their teachers until a parent/care-giver is within reach. Students may not remain on campus to play after school unless under the direct supervision of an engaged and attentive parent/care-giver. Janney AfterCare provides afternoon care until 6:30. Janney Enrichment Program provides a range of exciting classes and activities from 3:30 – 5:30.
  • Thanks for keeping us apprised of play dates, changes of schedule, and new care providers. In the case of a change in pick up, please send a written note.

Absences

The following reasons for absence are excused:

  • Death or serious illness in the student’s family
  • Illness of the student (those absent due to illness for more than 5 days must provide a doctor’s certificate),
  • Observance of a religious holiday, and
  • Medical reasons such as a doctor’s appointment. (Please do your best to schedule these appointments outside of school hours.)

All other absences will be determined excused or unexcused by the principal depending on the specific situation. If a student is absent, parents will receive an automated ConnectEd call. If the absence is unexcused, parents will also receive a call from their student’s teacher. A set of progressive responses, as outlined by DCPS policy, will take place if a student has multiple absences. If a student has a regular pattern of tardiness, the parents will receive a phone call informing them of this problem. Our goal is to support families in ensuring that these attendance guidelines are met.

Early Dismissal

Parents, guardians, and other approved caretakers need to report to the office and sign the Early Dismissal book before a student is allowed to leave the school grounds. No student may leave the school grounds without being signed out by an authorized caretaker. Caretakers should not go to the classroom to pick up a child. The child will be called to the office and the authorized caretakershould wait in the front foyer.

Parents are encouraged to send notes from home if an early dismissal is needed. This practice will assist the teacher in making arrangements so that disruptions in the school day are minimized and ensure the student receives any relevant homework or announcements before leaving for the day. Students will not be released without written authorization by the parent or legal guardian.