Skip to main content

Attendance Information

  • Our school hours are 8:45 a.m. - 3:25 p.m. 
  • Students must be in their classroom by 8:45 a.m.
  • No early dismissal of students will be allowed after 2:30 p.m.
  • Student attendance can be viewed and monitored in ParentVUE.
  • For the safety of all students during dismissal procedures, we will not dismiss students from the office between 2:30 p.m. and 3:25 p.m.  Any early dismissal or change in dismissal arrangements must be communicated to the school in writing by 2:30 p.m.

All Day Absence Information

  • When a student will be absent, notification should be provided to the school before or at the start of the school day, when possible.
  • To excuse an absence, written or electronic communication citing the reason(s) for the absence must be provided to the school no more than five school days following the date of the absence. 

How to report an absence

  • Absences can be reported in ParentVUE the same day of the absence.
  • Front Office: 703-491-5614 or email: [email protected]

Tardy Information

  • Students who are not in their classroom/first period by 8:45 a.m. will be marked tardy.
  • Students who are not in their classroom by the start of each class period throughout the say will be marked tardy.
  • A student's tardy will be recorded as excused or unexcused based on whether the reason for the late arrival meets the excused or unexcused absence criteria outlined in the PWCS Attendance Guidelines.

Early Dismissal Information

  • No early dismissal of students will be allowed after 2:30 p.m.
  • OBES strongly discourages frequent changes to students' dismissal procedures as this increases the chance of error. If a dismissal change is required:
    1. Make sure your child is aware of the change.
    2. Dismissal changes must be sent to school in writing or fill out the Change in Dismissal Form and received by 2:30 p.m. 
    3. Please be aware that substitute teachers do not check teachers' emails and will not receive emailed changes. Additionally, teachers may not always see emails during the day as they are primarily focused on instruction, supervision, and planning during the school day.
    4. Visit the PWCS web page to learn more about policies related early release and attendance.

Prearranged Absences

If you are planning an absence (not due to illness) for more than two days, a written letter needs to be sent to Mrs. Vanessa email: [email protected] one week prior to the expected absence. Many factors are considered in approval or disapproval of these absences. Parents will receive notification of the principal's decision. If the extended absence is not approved, the absences will be considered unexcused.

Need to change how your child goes home?

If your child's dismissal plans are different for the day, please complete the form below. The office will be notified automatically, so you do not need to call.

  • Please note:

    • Submit one form for each student with a dismissal change.
    • Dismissal changes cannot be accepted after 2:30 p.m. on the day of the change.
    • After you submit the form, a copy of your response will be sent directly to the school office.

Attendance in PWCS

Prince William County Public Schools (PWCS) follows the provisions of Virginia law (Code of Virginia § 22.1-254) regarding compulsory attendance for all school-aged students.

Families are encouraged to review the PWCS attendance guidelines to learn about attendance expectations, reporting expectations, excused and unexcused absences, and other important information. Additional details are available in the PWCS attendance policy and regulations.