CCS' New Attendance Policy
Cumberland County Schools (CCS) is taking strategic steps to reduce chronic absenteeism and promote academic achievement with the rollout of a revised attendance policy. The updated policy went into effect on Jan. 1, 2025, for high school students and will expand to include elementary and middle school students at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
This updated policy clarifies attendance expectations, outlines documentation procedures and reinforces the importance of being present every day to support student success.
Key Highlights of Revised Board Policy 4400: Attendance
Parent/Guardian Notes
Elementary & middle school students: Up to 10 parent/guardian notes per year
High school students: Up to 10 parent/guardian notes per semester
Documentation Requirements
Absences will be considered unexcused unless a valid parent/guardian or medical note is submitted within five days of the student’s return to school.
Excessive Absences
More than 20 unexcused absences may result in:
Retention for students in grades K-5
Course failure for students in grades 6-12
Note: Students with documented chronic health conditions are exempt from this policy.
Waiver Requests
Families may request an attendance waiver due to extenuating circumstances or verified illnesses. Contact your school’s social worker for details.
Research continues to highlight the strong connection between regular attendance and student success:
Early grades matter: Students who are chronically absent in K-3 are much less likely to read proficiently by third grade—a key milestone for long-term academic achievement. (Source: Attendance Works)
Middle school warning signs: By sixth grade, chronic absenteeism becomes one of the strongest predictors of dropping out of high school. (Source: Baltimore Education Research Consortium)
This policy supports the district’s broader efforts to address the root causes of absenteeism. During Attendance Awareness Month in September 2024, CCS worked with families, staff and community partners to spotlight the importance of consistent attendance and raise awareness of common barriers, including:
Transportation issues
Food insecurity
Mental health challenges
In addition to the policy changes, CCS continues to invest in:
Targeted dropout prevention efforts
Enhanced truancy intervention services
Academic recovery initiatives for students who have fallen behind
By combining supportive services with clear expectations, CCS is committed to ensuring every student has the opportunity to attend school regularly and thrive.
