Lynchburg City Schools (LCS) believes that regular school attendance is directly related to academic achievement and to the development of good habits as a student moves on to each grade level. Given that there are a limited number of Pre-Kindergarten slots available in LCS, daily attendance at the preschool level is mandatory. School attendance is the responsibility of the parent(s) or guardian(s) of the preschool student and is documented daily by the school. The following protocol will ensure that your child’s attendance is accurate and in accordance with the Pre-K attendance expectations. To maximize opportunities for all LCS families, not adhering to the policy may result in forfeiting continued participation in the LCS Pre-K instructional program.

Excused Absences

Excused absences will be granted for the following reasons:

  • Personal illness – written/emailed excuses should contain a description of the illness
  • Death or serious illness in immediate family
  • Medical condition or appointment verified by a note from a medical professional
  • Religious holiday

NOTE: As per LCS policy, parents/guardians will receive an automated call alerting of the child’s absence from school. ALL absences require a written note or email to be provided to the school explaining the reason for the absence within 2 days of the Pre-K student's return to school.

Unexcused Absences
  • A student will receive an unexcused absence without absence notification to the teacher or school.
  • If a child has 5 unexcused absences without notification provided to the school, the student will be considered truant, and the school-based attendance clerk will send a letter to the parent/guardian regarding the absences and a meeting will be conducted with the attendance clerk to develop a plan to support the Pre-K student’s regular attendance.
  • If a child accumulates 10 unexcused absences without notification to the school, the parent/guardian will be notified to attend a second support plan meeting with the school attendance team.
  • If a child reaches 15 consecutive unexcused absences without notification to the school, the parent/guardian will be notified that the child’s enrollment in the LCS Pre-K instructional program will be forfeited. Students who are dismissed from the program will need to reapply through the application process.
Parent Notification of Upcoming Long-Term Absence
  • A parent/guardian must notify the school principal for an upcoming, unavoidable, or significant reason for a long-term absence of up to 5 school days. The principal will determine if the child’s assignment to the Pre-K program will be held in reserve.
  • Written notification of an upcoming, unavoidable, or significant reason for a long-term absence of 6 or more school days requires the permission of the LCS Superintendent. The Superintendent will consider the request and a written response will be provided to the family. Notification does not guarantee continued participation in the Pre-K program.
  • If a parent does not notify the school of an upcoming, unavoidable, or significant reason for a long-term absence, the child’s enrollment in the LCS Pre-K/VPI instructional program will be forfeited. Students who are dismissed from the program will need to reapply through the application process.
Tardiness or Early Dismissal

Students who arrive late or leave early are missing important classroom time. This can also be very disruptive to the classroom routine. Students who do not complete one-half of their school day will be counted absent. Excused tardiness/early dismissals are accepted within reason and with submission of a written notice for the following reasons:

  • Personal illness
  • Medical condition or appointment verified by a note from a medical professional or dentist
  • Death or serious illness in immediate family
  • Conditions beyond the control of the student or parent/guardian

The parent/guardian should notify the school in advance if it is known that the student will be tardy. When a student is tardy or leaves early, the parent/guardian is required to sign the student in/out in the school’s main office.

Documentation of habitual tardiness may result in dismissal from the LCS Pre-K/VPI program. Students who are unenrolled from the program will need to reapply through the application process.

LCS Pre-K Attendance Plan for Cumulative Absences/Excessive Tardies
  • 5 Day Meeting: A Pre-K child with 5 unexcused absences is considered truant, and the school-based attendance clerk will send a letter to the parent/guardian regarding the absences and a meeting will be conducted with the attendance clerk to develop an attendance plan to support the Pre-K student’s regular attendance.
  • 10 Day Meeting: A Pre-K child with 10 unexcused absences is considered excessively absent and the school-based attendance clerk will notify the parent/guardian to attend a meeting with the school based attendance team to develop an attendance plan to support the Pre-K student’s regular attendance.
  • 12 Day Meeting: If a Pre-K child accumulates 12 unexcused absences, the parent/guardian will be asked to participate in a family meeting at the school administration building. The team will work to develop a truancy plan to ensure the student improves their attendance on a regular basis.
  • 15 Day Notification: If a child reaches 15 absences and the parent/guardian does not show effort to support the success plan, the parent/guardian will be notified that the child’s enrollment in the LCS Pre-K/VPI instructional program will be forfeited. Students who are dismissed from the program will need to reapply through the application process.
  • 15 Day Unenrollment: If a child obtains 15 consecutive absences and notification has not been received by the school, the child will be unenrolled from the program. Students who are unenrolled from the program will need to reapply through the application process.

To maximize opportunities for all LCS families, not adhering to the attendance policy may result in forfeiting continued participation in the LCS Pre-K/VPI instructional program. Students who are removed from the program due to poor attendance and lack of participation may re-apply and be placed on the waiting list.

Questions about the attendance policy can be directed to your student’s school attendance clerk, the LCS Pre-K Coordinator, or the Student Services Supervisor for Attendance & Truancy.