Office & Attendance

Attendance Policy

Wayzata Public Schools recognizes that daily attendance is critical to academic achievement. It is our goal to work with students, families, and the community to support regular school attendance and improve academic achievement. Please call your school for further assistance or questions about the attendance policy.

For every absence, log into the Skyward Family Access Absence Notification System or call the Attendance Line at 763-745-5955 no later than 10:00 a.m. the day of the absence.

It’s the Law!

Minnesota law states that all students are required to attend school from age 7, or when they enter kindergarten (whichever comes first) until they are 18 years old. A student’s failure to attend school may lead to legal action for the parents/guardians and the student.

What are excused absences?

• Doctor/Medical Appointment - Student has an appointment with a medical, dental, or counseling professional. Please try to schedule appointments for after school hours.
• Family Emergency - May include funerals or other extenuating circumstances facing the family including weather.
• Illness - Student is unable to attend school due to fever, nausea, etc. Students must be fever and vomit free (without medication) for 24 hours before returning to school.
• Religious Holiday/Instruction - Religious observance that requires the student be out of school. Religious Instruction not to exceed three (3) hours a week. 
• Vacation/Activity - The family will be out of town on a school day. The student has a non-school activity that requires them to be out of class. Vacations require prior approval from the building principal. Please do not schedule vacation during testing dates.

Extended Leaves

A leave of fifteen (15) days or more will require re-enrollment through the Welcome Center. Homework is not provided for extended leaves.

Early Pick-Up

Early pick-up is the same as arriving late. Students leaving a few minutes early often miss important last minute instructions and/or reminders. Interrupting classes to call students to the office distracts other students and interrupts the end of the day classroom routines. Early dismissals should occur only in rare circumstances.

Wayzata District Policy and MN State Law states:

• 3 Unexcused Absences: The school will notify the parent/guardian via a formal letter (required by MN law) to discuss the absences and identify any barriers to attendance.
• 7 Unexcused Absences: The school reports to the Be@School program. The county will send a letter to the family providing resources and a link to an informational video regarding attendance laws and support services.
• 12 Unexcused Absences: A second report is made to Be@School. Cases are reviewed by social workers; families may be invited to an intervention meeting with school and county staff or be referred to a community agency for voluntary support (e.g., mental health, tutoring, or emergency assistance).
• 17 Unexcused Absences: A third report is made to Be@School. If voluntary services have been declined or the family is unreachable, the county may initiate a referral to Child Protection (for students under 12 or those not enrolled) to ensure the student's right to an education.