If your student will be ABSENT or TARDY, please contact the MEHMS Attendance Office by phone or email.

Phone: (703) 720-5701  |  Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.   |  Pre-Arranged Absence Request Form  |  School Board Policy

Excused Absences

Absences and tardies for the following reasons will be excused:

• Illness verified by parent/guardian or doctor.  If the absence is longer than three days a doctor's note is required to be turned in to the attendance office.
• Pre-arranged absences consistent with the regulation issued by Superintendent
• Death in the family
• Observance of a religious holiday
• Doctor or dental appointment
• Extreme famly emergency
• Suspension

Unexcused Absences

Absences and tardies for the following reasons will be unexcused:

• Oversleeping
• Missing the bus
• Transportation problems
• Absence with parent/guardian permision but for reasons not on the excused list
• Non-school related activities
• Working
• Unapproved trips
• Child care situations
• Shopping

How to Pre-Arrange an Absences

Pre-arranged absences are consistent with the regulation issued by the Superintendent.

• Absences of ONE or TWO consecutive days require at least 2 days advance notice to the attendance office.  The note must state the reason(s) for absence.
• Absences of THREE consecutive days or more requires administrative approval.  A parent/guardian needs to submit a pre-arranged absence form to the attendance office as far in advance as possible, but NO LESS THAN THREE DAYS PRIOR TO THE ABSENCES.

Make-Up Work

Make-up work cannot substitute for missed classroom experience.

• If a student is absent for one day, he/she should get their assignments from their teachers
• If a student is absent for three or more days, assignments can be requested through the attendance office
• If a student has been approved for a pre-arranged absence, the student is responsible to for getting his/her assignments from their teachers beforehand

Early Pick-Up

For early pick-up, an adult must come to the front office to sign out the student.  If the adult is not a parent, guardian, or emergency contact, prior notification to the front office is required.  The adult will also need to provide picture identification to the front office staff.