Dear Platte River Academy Families,
As we settle into the new school year and head into the final three weeks of the first quarter, we want to take a moment to communicate our attendance policies and review our expectations. Regular attendance and punctuality are important to a student’s academic progress, classroom engagement, and overall success. Our goal is to partner with families and communicate our expectations up front so that we can work together to support every student.
The following attendance guidelines reflect Platte River Academy’s attendance policies for the 2026/2027 academic year.
Tardiness
The school day officially begins at 8:15 a.m. for all students in K-8th grades (9:45 a.m. for the delayed start schedule). It is expected that students will be inside their assigned homeroom by that time. Arriving at the building at 8:15 am does not allow sufficient time to get to class and will result in a tardy. Our doors open at 7:55 am, so students are welcome to arrive anytime beginning at 7:55.
Our tardy notification process is as follows:
5 unexcused tardies per quarter is the established threshold.
Upon the 6th unexcused tardy, parents/guardians will receive an email notifying them of the concern.
Upon the 10th unexcused tardy, a second notice will be sent.
Once a student reaches 15 unexcused tardies, the parent/guardian will be asked to meet with administration to discuss the attendance concern and determine an appropriate course of action.
Absences and Chronic Absenteeism
Attendance is equally important. Everyday counts! Daily attendance and engagement in learning is essential to student success at all grade levels. A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the planned school days, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused. This equates to approximately four absences per quarter. Chronic absenteeism is not just students who are skipping school, but students who miss school often for various reasons such as vacation or doctor appointments. We understand that students may occasionally need to be absent or arrive late for a variety of reasons. At the same time, consistent attendance matters. Missing school—even when an absence is excused—can impact a student’s ability to keep up with instruction, participate fully in the classroom, and maintain academic progress.
Our notification process for absences will be as follows:
Upon a student’s 5th absence, a letter will be sent to both the student and parent/guardian notifying them of our concern regarding attendance.
A second letter will be sent upon the 10th absence.
Once a student reaches 15 absences, the parent/guardian will be asked to meet with administration to discuss the student’s attendance and determine a course of action.
How to Report Absences/Tardies
The PRA Front Desk Team is now in charge of daily attendance. We are asking that you no longer email Judy Poulliot with attendance information. It is an expectation that parents will notify the school office of any absence no later than 8:00 a.m. of that day. Please use the following ways to submit an absence, tardy, or early release for your child:
1) PRA Attendance Email: attendance @prak8.org
2) PRA Attendance Phone Number: 303-243-5210
3) PRA App: To report an absence, tardy, or early release, please use the attendance form located in the "More" section of the PRA App. Please do not use Rooms to notify teachers, as this information must go directly to the front desk.
4) On the PRA Website: https://www.prak8.org/o/praes/page/attendance
Excused/Unexcused Absences
The following shall be considered excused absences (which may require suitable proof, including written statements from a medical source):
A student who is absent because of a temporary or extended period for illness, injury, or for a physical, mental, or emotional disability;
A student who is absent for a scheduled or emergency appointment or service that cannot be accommodated outside of school hours;
A student who is absent due to a family emergency or to attend an unexpected family event that is not within the realistic control of the Parent;
A student who is excused by a parent or guardian for observance of religious holidays or to preclude that child’s participation in a school activity for religious reasons or strongly held personal beliefs; or
Under special circumstances and on a case-by-case basis, the school administration may excuse an absence that was preplanned/prearranged with the school. There is a form to process and document these special cases - Planned Absence Form
Planned Absence Form - must be completed for absences of 3 or more consecutive days and submitted to the front desk at least 5 school days in advance. For shorter absences, simply use our standard attendance reporting procedures.
Parents may excuse a student up to 10 days per school year. After 10 parent-excused absences, additional absences will require documentation such as: Doctor’s Note, Religious Observance, Medical Appointment, Family Emergency, and Court Documentation. Without documentation, additional absences will be marked UNEXCUSED.
An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that is not covered by one of the reasons or circumstances noted above as an excused absence. When a parent neglects to inform the school of their child’s absence, or does not provide an explanation for the absence, the absence is considered unexcused.
Our intention is not simply to track attendance, but to communicate early, address concerns proactively, and partner with families before attendance becomes a significant barrier to student success. We appreciate your support in making regular attendance and punctuality a priority.
Thank you for partnering with us and for helping your students make the most of every school day. We look forward to a successful school year together. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to reach out to the school office at #303-221-1070.
Thank you,
PRA Administration