All students are expected at school every day, before the beginning bell at 8:15 am.

Consistent and punctual school attendance is essential to a student’s educational success. Keeping a child out of school for any reason, other than an infectious illness, affects the continuity of his or her school experience. The ritual of the school day builds community and comfort, and arriving late or missing school altogether disrupts the routines so important to productive learning. Each student is an important member of our school community and when a student is absent, our community is diminished.

The elementary years establish lifelong habits. Research has shown that students who are late or absent just twice a month are at significant risk of dropping out before completing high school.  

Absence Protocol

If you know your child will be absent, please inform the front office prior to 8:00 AM: 207-766-2528 or by email to crowlp@portlandschools.org .

• If the front office does not receive any notification when a student is absent, the school will call the parents/guardian to ensure the safety of the child.
• When a parent is not reached, the absence is recorded as “unexcused”.
• When your child is absent, a school staff member may also reach out to connect. Our staff works hard to have open communication and build relationships with students and parents. We miss your child when they are not here!
• When a student is at risk of becoming “chronically absent” (missing 10% of school days), his/her/their parent/guardian may receive communication from our school social worker or Lead Teacher.

Excused absences may include the following reasons:

• Illness
• Appointment with a health professional that can only be made during the school day;
• Observance of a recognized religious holiday when the observance is required during the regular school day;
• Family emergency;
• Planned absence for personal or education purposes which have been approved in advance.
• If you are planning an extended absence for personal or family travel please submit a written request  (email will work)  to the Principal  for approval.

Unexcused Absence:  

• Students who accumulate 7 full days or 5 consecutive days of unexcused absences will be considered truant. In that case, every effort will be made to work with the family to ensure consistency of daily attendance.  Please note, upon review and determination that a child is truant, the school is required to notify the Superintendent.