Early Elementary Attendance Policy

Every Day Counts!

At Malaika, we understand that success begins with showing up. When students attend school consistently, they gain knowledge, build valuable skills, and form lasting friendships. Every day in the classroom is an opportunity to learn, ask questions, and explore new horizons.

 

Beyond academics, strong attendance habits instill discipline, responsibility, and time management—skills that will serve students throughout their lives. When students attend school regularly, teachers can provide continuous support, tailoring their instruction to individual needs. Teachers at Malaika plan rigorous daily lessons, therefore any missed days can impact a student’s success.

 

Please work hard to make sure your child is at school except for serious illnesses.

 

Wisconsin’s Attendance Laws

Please read the full Attendance Policy in the Student Handbook

Absences

All students must be at school no later than 8:30 am to be counted present.  

 

Suspensions Are Considered Absences! If your child receives a suspension due to behavior, those days missed are considered absences.

 

Report an Absence: 

If a student is absent, please report the absence to the school office by 8:20 a.m.

To report an absence, call 414.562.4997

Excused Absences

Excused Absences Could Include:

  • Family emergency where the students are needed to ensure family well-being
  • Personal illness with a doctor’s note
  • Funerals
  • Designated religious holidays
  • Medical or dental appointments with a doctor’s note

Unexcused Absences

Consequences for Excused and Unexcused Absences

  • 0-8 Absences: the parent/guardian will receive a phone call from the administration. At five unexcused absences, a letter will be sent to your house. 
  • 8+ Absences: Parent/guardian will receive a letter notifying them about the seriousness of the issue. A meeting is required with the school principal. 
  • 12+ Absences: The parent/ guardian will be called to the school to meet with the principal and the teacher to discuss the absences and develop an attendance plan.
  • 15+ Absences: The parent/guardian will be called to meet with the principal and teacher. At this point the student is considered truant and is at risk of not being promoted to the next grade level. The principal reserves the right to retain any student who misses more than fifteen school days. In addition, a letter will be filed with the District Attorney’s Office. 

20+ Absences: The student will be considered a habitual truant. School administration may file a written complaint with a relevant court or child services agency alleging the belief that the acts or omissions of the child are such that his/her family has service needs.  After thirty days of no attendance and no contact a student will be automatically withdrawn from school.

Sick Child Policy

Please notify MELC when your child will be absent due to illness. 

If a child is sick at school, a parent will be notified:  

  • If the child has signs of illness and/or fever of 100 degrees or higher
  • If the child displays significant behavior changes and is uncomfortable and unable to participate in classroom activities, even if no symptoms are present.

Because we are not licensed to provide sick childcare, parents or emergency contacts must pick up their child within one hour after being contacted.  Failure to do so will result in a fee.

Early Dismissal

Early dismissals (before 3:15 p.m.) are discouraged.  

Early dismissals should occur only in rare circumstances.  Please try to schedule appointments outside of school hours.  

When students are dismissed early, it is considered the same as a tardy. 

Tardiness

Tardiness Policy

Getting to school on time leads to student success. Students who are late often miss essential reading and math instruction, disrupt the learning of other children, and risk falling behind. 

  • School begins at 8:30 a.m. Any student arriving at or after 8:30 a.m. will be marked tardy. 
  • Breakfast is served from 8:00 a.m. until 8:20 a.m. therefore, any student arriving after 8:20 a.m. will not be served breakfast. 
  • Parents/guardians must call the office before 8:20 a.m. to notify the school of an absence.
  • Parents/guardians can make three phone calls per quarter to notify the school of late arrivals. 

Tardiness Consequences

Work hard to get your child to school on time! Here are the consequences for tardiness per quarter. 

  • 4 Tardies: The principal will send a warning letter.
  • 8 Tardies: Parent/guardian meets with the principal to develop an on-time plan
  • 10 Tardies: Parent/guardian must attend a mandatory conference to develop an on-time contract.
  • 15 Tardies: The principal, teacher, parent and student will review and revise the contract. At this point the student is considered a habitual truant. School administrators may file a written complaint with a relevant court or child services agency. 
  • 20 Tardies: Students will not be allowed back into school until a meeting with the parent/guardian is held. At this time, a contract developed by the principal, teacher, parent/guardian, and student will be put into place. 
  • 20+ Tardies: A student may be considered for retention due to tardiness. 

Remember:  leaving early is counted against attendance!