ATTENDANCE POLICY
School starts at 8:30am. If your child will be absent or late, please tell us the same day.
What do you need to do?
My child is sick
Email or call the same morning, then send a doctor’s note when you have one.
We won’t make 8:30
Send a note by email or Konstella explaining why. After 8:45, come to the Main Office for a late pass.
A late child is still marked present — late is always better than absent.
I need to collect my child
Tell the teacher in advance. Come to the Main Office with photo ID. You must be listed on the Blue Card.
No sign-outs after 2:20pm except emergencies.
What counts as excused
| Reason | Excused? | What we need from you |
|---|---|---|
| Illness or injury | Yes | A note from the doctor |
| Medical, court or agency appointment | Yes | Documentation. Please book outside school hours where you can. |
| Religious observance | Yes | A request in writing, in advance |
| Family emergency or bereavement | Yes | Let us know as soon as you’re able |
| School bus delay, or a documented MTA delay | Yes | Nothing — but routine transit delays are not excused |
| Family travel or vacation | No | Please plan trips for school holidays |
| Missing immunizations | No | See Vaccinations |
| No reason given | No | Tell us why and we can often change it |
Why it matters
A child at 90% attendance has missed a full month of school by June. Eighteen days or more in a year counts as chronically absent. We know some absences can’t be helped — if something is making it hard to get your child to school, please tell us. We would much rather help than count days.
If getting to school is hard
Transport is the problem
Ask the office about bus routes and student MetroCards. Some families take turns walking a group of children in. If you use the yellow bus, check we have your current phone number. Contact the Parent Coordinator.
Health or a medical condition
Our nurse can hold medication at school and help you set up an Asthma Action Plan or a Medication Administration Form. A 504 accommodation can also help a child stay in school. Contact the School Nurse or see the 504 Coordinator.
Your child doesn’t want to go
Talk to the teacher first. Our Guidance Counselor and Social Worker can help if something at school is behind it, including bullying — see the School-Based Support Team.
Your family needs support
The PTA’s Community Closet has coats, boots and school supplies, free, for any family. Tell the office what you need — housing, healthcare, clothing — and we will help where we can.
Check your child’s attendance any time on your NYC Schools Account. Read the full PS 20 Attendance Policy (PDF) or the citywide NYC Public Schools attendance policy.
