Attendance Procedures & Forms

Full Day Absence Reporting 

To report attendance:

Option 1: Report full-day absence through ParentVUE. This process will allow you to submit up to 2 consecutive full-day absences. 

  • Note that ParentVUE is a new process for the 2024-25 school year. 
  • How to Use ParentVUE: Log in to your ParentVUE account and select “Report Absence.” 
  • Where to Get Help: Visit FCPS’ Attendance Reporting webpage for step-by-step instructions. 

Option 2: Phone the Attendance Line at 703-319-2727. 

  • If reporting by phone please include the items below in your message:
    • Student’s first and last name spelled clearly or slowly
    • Student ID Number
    • Specific information regarding reason for absence, including, illness diagnosis or symptoms and whether or not the student has seen a physician.
    • The Parent/Guardian phone number (for verification) 
  • Emailed excuses will not be accepted. We ask that you please report the full-day absence through ParentVUE.

Partial Day Absence Reporting 

Students will use the Attendance Window (Main Office) for early checkouts, late arrivals, and other attendance business.   

Late Arrivals

Students arriving after 8:10 AM (1st Period start) will be marked unexcused tardy.  

  • Call the Attendance Line at 703-319-2727 for late arrivals or bring a handwritten note from a parent or doctor.  If you would like to fax a note, our fax number is 703-319-2708.
  • If a student does not have a note, they will be marked "unexcused tardy" and must present a note to the Attendance Office within 48 hours for the tardy to be changed to excused. 
  • In the note, please include the student name, time the student is coming to school, the reason for the tardy, a parent/guardian signature, the student ID, and contact phone number for follow-up.
  • The following will not be excused: oversleeping, power outages, car trouble, traffic, and missing the bus. Students will be given a pass to enter their assigned class after checking in at the Attendance Window.

Checking Out Early

Students leaving before the end of the school day need to have a note from a parent excusing the early dismissal. If the note/form information is for a valid absence the student will be issued a pass to leave class at the appointed time.

  • ParentVUE is for all day absences only and cannot be used to request early dismissal. 
  • Students should have a handwritten note from a parent or guardian.
  • If the need for an early check out arises after the start of school, please call the attendance line, 703-319-2727 BEFORE 1:00 pm. After leaving a message, please have your student pick up their checkout pass from the Attendance Office between classes or during lunch. 
  • We ask that students bring the note to the attendance window by 9:45 to get the early dismissal pass. Please note: Teachers will NOT allow students to leave class without this pass or confirmation from the attendance office.
  • If a student does not have a note, they will be marked "unexcused". Students may not leave campus during the school day without permission. If a student leaves campus without permission or without checking out, they may be subject to disciplinary consequences.
  • In the note, please include the student name, time the student is leaving, the reason for the early dismissal, a parent/guardian signature, the student ID, and contact phone number for follow-up.

If returning to school that same day, students must check in at the Attendance office before going back to class, even if it is between classes.

Tardiness/Unexcused Absences

Students who are late to class without a valid pass will be recorded as unexcused tardy. Students who miss class without a valid reason or do not follow the procedure will be recorded as unexcused absence. Both of these behaviors may lead to disciplinary consequences.

Pre- Arranged Absences

Parents / Students complete the Oakton Pre Arranged Absence Form at least one week (five school days) prior to the first day of the absence. (Note: if you download the form, it is fillable.)

The following process will be followed:

  • All portions of the form must be completed. The form with absence details will be reviewed by Oakton Administration (to determine whether the absence will be excused or unexcused).
  • Students are permitted a maximum of three days per year for events like college visits, religious holidays, and required family trips.
  • Please note the following about absences:
    • Excused absences may include, but are not limited to, the following reasons: illness (including mental health and substance use illnesses), injury, funeral, legal obligations, medical procedures, religious observances, military obligation, deployment-related absences, civic engagement activity absences, family emergency, or other reason deemed acceptable by the principal.
    • If the reason for this prearranged absence is different from the above, please indicate the reason for the absence. Parents must plan to arrange for their child to complete make-up work, tests, or projects. If the student’s absence request exceeds five days, a parent conference may be required. The conference will require a review of the student’s academic and absence record. Students who are absent 15 or more consecutive school days will be withdrawn from enrollment.