For many families, attendance becomes a topic of conversation the moment a letter is emailed home. Whether it is missing a few days due to illness or leaving early for family vacation, absences can add up quickly. Recently, increased attention to attendance has brought much discussion throughout the school community.

According to the school’s Students Activities and Engagement Coordinator, Mr. Jeff Schutte, the newer attendance policy is not necessarily separate from Policy 8140, but an enhancement. Loudoun County Public School’s (LCPS) Policy 8140, before this recent change, stated that students need to be in school from 9:45 to 4:18, with the exception of excused absences, if students want to participate in school sponsored extra curricular activities “Prior to this year, there was a fifteen minute grace period at the beginning [of the day], so students could be arriving up to 9:45, and still be allowed to practice and play,” Schutte stated. 

However, the grace period was soon abused by students with poor attendance who were still allowed to participate in extracurricular activities. Woodgrove’s Student Support Advisor, Ms. Shayna Mackey, touched on the misuse of this flexibility. “If [students] got [to school] and it was 9:46, nothing would be done. So now, they get here at 9:30. That’s when the bell rings, and that’s when school starts,” Mackey stated. Along with the bell-to-bell phone policy, which states that you can not have your cell phone out from 9:30 to 4:18, school administrators thought it was only fair if the attendance policy corresponded, by encouraging students to be in attendance from bell-to-bell as well. 

Attendance is also closely tied with student success. According to the National Center of Education Statistics, 60% of students that have missed just 10 days of school already show a trend of having lower grade point averages. “Attendance is important because [students] need to be engaged in school. Coming to school is the best way to get your work done, meet with your teachers, and have social activities as well,” Mackey said. 

Having regular attendance also has many lesser-known benefits. School counselor Christina Bevilaqua, stated, “Consistent attendance is foundational to academic success, social development, and emotional stability. It ensures students have access to instruction, peer relationships, and support services. Beyond academics, regular attendance fosters a sense of belonging and routine, which are critical for overall well-being.” Maintaining good attendance is not always only helpful to keeping grades up, but also to stay ahead and connected.

While expectations of attendance have become more strict, staff members still understand that students who are missing school need support. “There are many reasons a student might not be coming to school, so figuring out what the reason is and then trying to fix it is what I do,” Mackey expressed. School counselors are also available to students as a resource of support. “I collaborate with students, families, and staff to create individualized support plans, which may include check-ins, mentorship, referrals, or flexible scheduling,” Bevilaqua stated. Poor emotional health is often another excused absence. “Mental health concerns can manifest as school avoidance. I work closely with families and mental health professionals to ensure accommodations, such as modified schedules, safe spaces, or counseling referrals are in place,” Bevilaqua continued. 

Bevilaqua also explained that the school follows “a tiered response system” when facing attendance issues. “First, [we reach out] to the student and family to understand the situation; second, [we coordinate] with teachers and administrators to assess academic impact; third, [we] develop a support or intervention plan. If needed, I involve community resources or mental health professionals. Documentation and compliance with district protocols are also essential,” Bevilaqua shared.

Maintaining regular attendance is not only mandatory for students, as it also prepares students for the future. “I think it’s a life lesson. I can’t come to work late… students that have jobs understand that. It’s the same thing with school. If you’re under eighteen, your job is to come to school. If students think of it as a life lesson, it will be easier for them,” Mackey said. Extended absences can also progress into other concerns such as isolation, increased anxiety, and a sense of falling behind academically and socially. “Students may feel disconnected from [their] peers and adults, which can compound existing emotional challenges. That’s why early intervention is so critical, not just to improve attendance, but to protect the student’s overall wellness,” Bevilaqua expressed. 

While the attendance policy may initially feel strict, staff members emphasized that support is always available for struggling students. “Follow the policy, and if you are struggling, ask for help,” Mackey advised. Schutte also highlighted the importance of taking each day as they come and focusing on progress, not perfection. He said, “It all matters in the end, every day matters, every kid matters.”