In compliance with state law, students enrolled at Whitman will be expected to attend all assigned classes daily. Attendance is taken in the first ten minutes of each class period. Absences must be accounted for every day. The following procedures are currently in place at Whitman:

All absences must be excused by a parent/guardian.  Please call 206.252.1204 on the morning of each absence. A message may be left at the attendance number or you may bring a note from your parent/guardian the day following the absence. The message or note must state the date of the absence, your name, the reason for the absence and include the parent's or guardian's name in the phone message or signature on the absence note. Reasons for excused absences are: illness, family emergency, prearranged absences, authorized school activities, or other reasons arranged with the school administration. A pattern of absences, or an excessive amount of absences may lead to being asked for a docto's note concerning the absences before they will be excused.

Prearranged absences can be set up in the event of a family need or emergency that requires you to miss school. The parents/guardians must contact the Attendance Office prior to the first date of the absence. To prearrange assignments, contact must be made with each teacher at least two weeks in advance of the absence. Contact individual teachers regarding makeup work for assignments missed due to excused absences.

Unexcused Absences (truancy) - Any unauthorized absence from school is considered truancy. The school will work closely with parents/guardians to formulate action plans to assist you with attendance problems. You must speak with teachers and find out if they will allow you to make up assignments and follow their instructions if they do.

The Becca Bill - Chronic unexcused absences will lead to a referral to the Juvenile Court system through the District. After three unexcused absences within a month, or five absences in the school year, a conference will be scheduled with the student to develop an attendance contract. After seven unexcused absences in a month or ten within a year, a petition will be filed through King County Juvenile Court.

Late Arrivals - If you arrive at school 8am or later, report first to the Attendance Office before proceeding to your locker or class. You should bring a note excusing your lateness. Multiple unexcused late arrivals will result in disciplinary action. Before 8am; report directly to class.

Early Dismissals - If you need to be excused from school before the end of the school day, you need to bring in written notification from a parent/guardian stating the reason for the early dismissal (ED). The note should include your name, the date, the reason for the ED, and a parent/guardian signature. The note should be brought to the Attendance Office before 7:45am. An ED slip will then be issued. The ED slip is your pass to go to your locker and leave.

Tardy - You are considered tardy unless you are seated in your assigned seat with your materials when the class begins. If you have a valid pass for being late you will be excused. Multiple unexcused tardies will result in disciplinary action. A pattern of unexcused tardies, or a tardies in excess of five may result in a letter being sent home regarding the behavior.

Class cuts - A class is considered cut when you are more than 15 minutes late, or you are absent for a period without an acceptable excuse. Cut classes will result in disciplinary action.

Note: Passing period breaks are NOT given between blocked core classes.