Attendance Information

Reporting Your Student’s Attendance

When your student is going to arrive late, leave early, or be absent for the entire day, a parent/guardian must call the attendance line (314) 467-7020 in advance or on the day of the absence.  If the Attendance Secretary is unable to speak with you directly, please leave a message on the attendance voice mailbox.  Please spell the student’s first and last name, grade, time calling, and the reason for your student’s absence.  Should you need immediate assistance, please dial the main office at 314-467-7000.

Absences

Excused Absence: In accordance with School Board policy, an absence will only be excused with: 

  1. Doctor’s note
  2. Funeral notice
  3. College/university/post-secondary opportunity visit documentation
  4. Special permission from school administrator

Students with an excused absence are permitted to make up work missed during the absence. Excused absences do not count toward the six absences that result in losing course credit.

Verified Absence: A verified absence is when a parent/guardian notifies the school of a student absence. Verified absences do count toward the six absences that result in losing course credit.. Students with a verified absence are permitted to make up work missed during the absence. 

Unexcused Absence: An unexcused absence is when a student is absent from school without notice of a parent/guardian. Students with an unexcused absence are not permitted to make up work and are subject to disciplinary action. 

First Block Only: All entrances will lock at exactly 7:15am. If you arrive after 7:15am, you will need to buzz in the front doors and check in at the attendance office.

Tardy: If a student misses between the 1-29 minutes of class they are considered tardy.  Late code is only excused if the student has a doctor’s note, funeral notice, or note from college/university/post-secondary opportunity visit. Students arriving 30+ minutes into a class will be considered absent. 

Tardy Sweep: At the tardy bell, if a student is not in their assigned class, they will be required to complete a tardy slip with teachers in the hallway. 

Early Dismissal: If a student leaves class within the last 29 minutes, they are considered present for the entire class. The main office will notify the student that the early dismissal has been verified by the parent/guardian and call them down to the main office. In order to verify the absence, a parent/guardian must show a photo ID at the attendance desk. 

8:30 Attendance Bell: Each day students are in session, students with unexcused absences are called to the commons to meet with grade-level principals. The students are asked to have a parent/guardian verify the absence or provide documentation to make the absence excused. 

Step Letters

Anytime a student has three (3) non-verified or unexcused absences in any class a letter will be mailed for informational purposes only.  After five (5) non-verified or unexcused absences in any class a letter will be mailed explaining that the student may not receive credit for the class.  To appeal any absences please complete the form below and return to Mrs. Johnson in the main office.

Signing In/Out

When a student arrives late or leaves early for any reason, they will scan the QR code at the attendance desk. Students are not permitted to leave campus without prior parental consent.  Students will be released to parent/guardian only, unless the parent/guardian contacts the main office in advance to make alternate arrangements.

Early Dismissal/Parking during Last Class of the Day

If your student has an early dismissal during the last class of the day, please make prior arrangements with your student for the pick-up location.  Parents arriving/students leaving after 1:40pm, may not be able to exit the parking lot until the buses have left at approximately 2:15pm.  The student is required to sign-out at the attendance window prior to leaving the building.


The Mehlville School District strictly prohibits discrimination and harassment against employees, students or others on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, or sex including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity and other characteristics protected by law. The following individuals have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the non-discrimination policies: contact Adam Smith at 314-467-5006 or [email protected].