Thomas Elementary School

Attendance Matters at Thomas Elementary

Punctual and regular attendance is essential to your child’s success in school. Attending school consistently is one of the best ways to ensure each child achieves their full potential.

All FUSD schools are required by law to maintain accurate records of student absences and their reasons. If your child must be absent, please call the Thomas Absence Reporting Line at 928-773-4119 before 9:00 a.m. and provide the following information:

• Your name and relationship to the child

• Your child’s first and last name

• Your child’s teacher and grade level

• The reason for the absence

Excused Absences

According to Arizona state law, school attendance is mandatory. Students may be excused for the following reasons:

• Medical provider documentation

• Death in the family

• Family emergency

• Religious commitments

• Diagnostic testing

• School-sponsored activities

• Extenuating circumstances or parent-requested vacations approved by school administration

If your child has an extended absence due to a medical condition, please notify the school nurse. Unexcused absences must be reported as required by law. Every three tardies are counted as one reported absence. Repeated late arrivals and early departures significantly impact student learning and academic success.

Whenever possible, please schedule appointments outside of school hours.

Keeping Contact Information Updated

For your child’s health and safety, it is essential that we have current contact information on file. Please ensure the following is always up to date:

• Parent/guardian’s full name, home address, and a working phone number

• At least one emergency contact with a working phone number who can be reached during the school day

Thomas Absence Reporting Line

928-773-4119

Things to Know About Attendance – It Matters!

• Your support is key in helping your student attend school regularly.

• Attendance patterns established in elementary school often continue into high school.

• Chronic absenteeism (10 or more absences in a school year) is an early warning sign for academic challenges and increased risk of dropping out.

• Students who miss too many days fall behind their peers academically.

• The more students are at school, the more they will learn!

If your child is struggling with attending school or if your family needs additional support, please reach out to your child’s teacher or the front office — we’re here to help!