Attendance & Tardies
Every Day Matters
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of academic success, engagement, graduation readiness, and long-term opportunities for learners. At Payette High School, we believe being present, engaged, and on time helps learners build responsibility, strengthen relationships, and maximize learning opportunities.
Attendance Matters
Regular attendance supports success.
Report Absences
Call the PHS Attendance Office at 208-642-9366 ext. 008 to report your learners absence.
Check-In/Check-Out
All learners will check in and out during school hours through the attendance office.
Stay On Track
Attendance impacts learning and credit.
Why Attendance Matters
Consistent attendance supports:
- Academic achievement
- Graduation progress
- Career and college readiness
- Classroom participation
- Relationships and school connection
- Access to learning opportunities and support
Missing class time can make it difficult for learners to stay current with instruction, assignments, assessments, and classroom learning experiences.
Attendance Expectations
Learners are expected to:
- Attend school regularly
- Arrive to class on time
- Remain in class for the full instructional period
- Follow check-in/check-out procedures through the office
- Communicate absences appropriately through parents/guardians
Families play an important role in supporting consistent attendance and helping learners develop positive attendance habits.
Excused & Unexcused Absences
Absences may be considered excused for reasons such as:
- Illness or medical appointments
- Family emergencies
- School-sponsored activities
- Approved educational opportunities
- Other circumstances approved by administration
Unexcused absences may include:
- Skipping class or truancy
- Leaving campus without permission
- Oversleeping
- Transportation issues not approved by the school
- Unverified absences
Parent/guardian communication may be required to excuse absences.
Tardies
Being on time matters. Tardies interrupt instruction and impact learning for both the learner and classmates.
A learner is considered tardy when they arrive after the designated class start time. Excessive tardies may result in progressive interventions and consequences consistent with school expectations and handbook procedures.
Learners are expected to:
- Be seated and ready to learn when class begins
- Plan ahead for passing periods and arrival times
- Report to the office when arriving late to school
Check In / Check Out Procedures
For safety and attendance accountability:
- Learners arriving late must check in through the office
- Learners leaving during the school day must check out through the office
- Parent/guardian authorization may be required before leaving campus
This helps ensure accurate attendance records and learner safety.
Communication with Families
Payette High School works to communicate attendance concerns proactively with families. Families may receive:
- Attendance notifications
- Calls or emails regarding absences
- Attendance intervention meetings
- Academic or support referrals when needed
Strong school-family communication helps support learner success and engagement.
Attendance & Idaho Law
Idaho law requires school attendance for learners between certain ages unless otherwise legally exempted. Idaho Code defines compulsory attendance expectations and habitual truancy requirements for public schools.
Habitual truancy and excessive unexcused absences may result in interventions, loss of privileges, academic consequences, or additional actions consistent with Idaho law, district policy, and school procedures.
Attendance Support
If attendance challenges arise, families are encouraged to contact the school early so staff can partner to provide support and problem-solving assistance.
Support may include:
- Academic assistance
- Counseling support
- Attendance planning
- Community resources
- Schedule review
- Communication support
Our goal is to support learners while maintaining high expectations for attendance and engagement.