Absentee Excuses
As of August 25, 2025, parent/guardian should navigate to PowerSchool to complete an absence through SafeArrvial.
- Log in to your PowerSchool Parent Portal either on a desktop or via the mobile app. On your desktop, click MyPowerHub on the left menu bar. Navigate to Attendance then click SafeArrival Attendance then click Report Absence. Or click SchoolMessenger on the left menu bar. In the new screen, select Report Absence to enter the absence. Using your mobile device, open your PowerSchool Parent Portal app. On the bottom right of the main screen, click the Menu button. Select Report Absence to add the absence.
- Use the SafeArrival website, go.
schoolmessenger.com. The first time you use the website, select Sign Up to create your account. Select Attendance, then Report an Absence. - Call the toll-free number 1-866-953-6193 to report an absence using the automated phone system.
WCSD Attendance Information
All students of compulsory school age who reside in the district shall be subject to the compulsory school attendance requirements.
Please refer to Policy 204 for the complete Attendance Policy, which includes definitions, examples of Excused/Lawful Absences and Unexcused/Unlawful Absences, and more in-depth information.
My child is going to be absent, now what?
Go to the PowerSchool Parent Portal, then SafeArrival (directions above). Safe Arrival for absences.
Parental Notification of unexcused absence is sent daily when applicable via phone, text message, and email. Absences shall be treated as unexcused until the district receives a written excuse explaining the absence. Excuses must be submitted within three (3) days of the absence.
What is the difference between an excused and unexcused absence?
The following conditions or situations constitute reasonable cause for absence from school:
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Illness
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Health care or therapy services
- Quarantine
- Family Emergency
- Recovery from an accident
- Required court attendance
- Death in family with prior approval
- Observance of a religious holiday
- Educational trip
- College Visit
- Other urgent reasons or special circumstances, as outlined in Policy 204
A maximum of ten (10) days of total lawful absences verified by parental notification are permitted during a school year. All absences beyond ten (10) total days require an excuse from a licensed practitioner.
Unexcused/Unlawful Absence
For purposes of this policy, absences that do not meet the criteria indicated above shall be permanently considered unexcused.
What does it mean to be truant?
Truancy is three or more unexcused absences. District staff shall notify the parent within ten (10) school days of the student's third unexcused absence. Habitually Truant is six or more unexcused absences. A habitually truant student shall be referred to a school- or community-based attendance improvement program or the local children and youth agency. The school may file a citation.
For more details on truancy, please refer to Policy 204 or the PDE's Compulsory School Attendance information.
Our family is going on vacation, now what?
Complete the student absence form on PowerSchool and indicate your absence reason prior to your trip.