Across the country, more than 8 million students are missing so many school days that they are academically at risk. Chronic absence—missing 10 percent or more of school days due to absence for any reason—excused, unexcused absences, and suspensions can result in third-graders unable to master reading, sixth-graders failing subjects, and ninth-graders dropping out of high school.

Check out the attendance resources below, and if you need extra support, contact your school

• NMPED Attendance for Success Act Information
• Attendance for Success Act Handout
• NMPED Attendance for Success Website
• Chaptered Attendance For Success Act

Per state reporting, any absence that is unexcused counts towards the school's daily attendance data and the school's chronic absenteeism report.

A: Absent Absent Unexcused D: Ditching Absent Unexcused R: Out Sch Sus Absent Unexcused U: Unexcused Other Absent Unexcused

Students are marked present during school activities, 504 plan, in school suspension, tardy, remote learning, or are with a staff member on campus.

Providing a specific reason for your child’s absence is a vital part of our school’s data collection and student support system. While we understand that life happens, documenting the "why" behind an absence helps us in three key ways:

1. State and Federal Reporting - School districts are required by law to track and report attendance data. Providing a reason allows us to accurately categorize an absence as excused (such as illness or a family emergency) or unexcused. This distinction is important for maintaining our school's compliance with state educational standards.
2. Identifying Trends and Barriers - By tracking why students are missing school, we can identify patterns that might be affecting the whole community. For example, if many students are out due to a specific illness, we can take extra health precautions. If transportation is a common issue, it helps us advocate for better resources to help students get to campus.
3. Personalized Academic Support - When we know the reason for an absence, teachers can better support your child’s transition back to the classroom. If it was a medical absence: We can ensure they aren't overwhelmed by missed work while recovering. If it was a family matter: We can provide the necessary grace and scaffolding to help them catch up.

Parents will receive text messages if their student is marked absent starting April 6th, 2026!

This will help us track why students are absent. Understanding the reason for that missed time allows us to work together to ensure your child stays on track for success.

Update your phone number if it's changed by visiting your child's school in-person. Per district policy, we cannot change contact information over the phone or by email.