Skip To Main Content

Attendance FAQ's

Frequently Asked Questions

 

1. Does PFMS have a "Safe Arrival" program similar to the elementary schools?

Yes. If your child is sick, or will be arriving late, you can call 814-231-1011 xtn 8553 to leave us a message. Please include as much information as you know (the date, student's name, and their grade/team), and follow up with an excuse note/email within 72 hours.
 

2. My child needs to leave early for an appointment. How can I notify the school?

Please send a note with a parent/guardian signature to school with your child (or contact the Attendance Secretary directly via Email/ParentVUE).  Please be sure to include your child's first and last names, and the time that you would like to pick them up at the school. Notes should be brought/sent to the Main Office, where the office staff will then keep the note and give your child a yellow "Early Dismissal Pass" to show their teacher when it is time to leave. Your child will then come to the main office for you to sign them out.
 

3. My child will be arriving late to school - do I need to come into the office to sign them in?

If your child has a doctor's note or parent excuse note/email, you do not need to come into the office to sign your child in.  Many medical offices generate a note saying that your child attended an appointment - please ask for one if coming from an appointment.

4. My child was absent yesterday. I called "Safe Arrival" and reported her absent. Do I need to send in an excuse note?

Yes. The state requires a written excuse note signed by a parent/guardian (or an Email/ParentVUE message from a registered parent account) for each time that your child is absent.  These must be turned in within 72 hours in order to be considered Excused.

 

 5. What is considered an Excused Absence?

The following are considered Excused Absences:
Death in Family
Illness (specify reason)
Medical or Dental Appointment (doctor's note should be provided)
Quarantine/Isolation Requirements (with doctor's note or DOH notice)
Religious Observance
Court Appearance
Family Emergency (at discretion of administrators)
Other Urgent Reasons (at discretion of administrators)

6. What is considered an Unexcused Absence?

  • Attendance at non-school sponsored sporting events
  • Personal Reasons
  • Hair Appointments
  • Fishing, Hunting, Shopping, Etc.
  • Missing the School Bus
  • Trips (when not approved in advance)
  • Transportation Issues (if the student has a bus assignment)
 

7. Our family will be traveling out of state to visit relatives. How do I request an Educational Trip for my child?

Please fill out an Educational Trip Form, and submit it to the office.  Please allow up to two weeks for the trip to be approved.

 

The form should list the days that you are requesting to be considered as an educational trip, as well as an explanation of the trip. The form should also include your child's first and last name as well as any grade/team information you know. If the absence is approved, and will be longer than 2 days, the office staff can provide an assignment form to your child - who will be responsible for collecting any work from their teachers before departing.

For any other questions, please feel free to call the main office number: 814-237-5301.