Success means Showing Up. Attendance Matters

As we begin the school year, we are reminding our families of the importance of regular school attendance. We love to see our students in school, engaged and learning great things! Families can do little things to help encourage regular school attendance.

  • Schedule doctor visits outside of school hours.

  • Plan family trips and vacations during school breaks.

  • Lay clothes out the night before.

  • Establish a morning routine.

  • Set up your ParentVue account to submit absentee notes, check grades, and see up-to-date attendance. (youtube link: https://youtu.be/lSg7J0yy1uI?si=wjTkKBy7I0lwKX5f)

Attendance Notifications

Families will receive an email and text message when their student has an unexcused tardy or absence. Our tardy/absent notifications are automated and are timed based on the student’s grade level. Notifications for elementary and middle school students (grades Pre-K through 8) will be sent by noon (12:00 PM) of the day the student is marked absent or tardy. Notifications for high school students (grades 9-12) will be sent by 7:00 PM of the day the student is marked absent or tardy.

Attendance Matters

Did you know:

  • Missing just 2 school days a month adds up to 18 days a year? Absences add up! Students who attend regularly are more likely to stay on track academically.

  • By 9th grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8th grade test scores.

  • Good attendance offers opportunities to learn, build relationships, and access important resources and support.

Reporting an Absence

We understand that absences happen. If your child is sick, please keep him/her at home. Their health is our highest concern.


When a student does need to be absent, we make it easy for you to report an absence. Simply login to ParentVue and submit your information. Directions for this process are available here. The Report Absence button in ParentVUE will allow you to submit an absence note one week in advance. The Report Absence button cannot be used, however, to report absences that happened in the past. If your child was absent on a prior day, please remember to turn in your absence notes to the attendance office within 4 days of the child’s return to school. After 4 days, the attendance code cannot be changed.

AAnimated gif shows ParentVUE app and highlights the Report an Absence button.

Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic Absenteeism is an active area of focus for Chesapeake Public Schools. Chronic Absenteeism is defined as a student who misses 10% or more of their enrolled days during an academic school year. Attendance is a school quality indicator and is factored into the school accreditation process.

According to research, regular attendance is a significant factor in a student’s success.

  • Chronic absenteeism correlates to low academic achievement.

  • Absenteeism is a powerful predictor of dropout rates.

  • Absenteeism has been linked to poor outcomes later in life.

This video from Attendance Works, highlights how families can help fight chronic absenteeism.