New PDSD Attendance Policy in Effect for 2026-2027

Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Penn-Delco School District will implement an updated Attendance Policy (Policy 204), approved by the Penn-Delco Board of School Directors in June 2026.

The updated policy clarifies attendance expectations, changes how lawful/excused absences are documented, and allows schools to address attendance concerns earlier.

What do families need to know?

Under the updated policy, students may have up to 12 cumulative lawful/excused absences verified through parent/guardian notification, including vacation days.

Once a student exceeds 12 cumulative lawful/excused absences, additional absences will require documentation from a licensed healthcare provider when applicable under the policy.

The district is also moving the attendance intervention process earlier. When a student accumulates three or more unexcused/unlawful absences, the school will schedule a Student Attendance Improvement Conference (SAIC) within 10 school days. At six unexcused/unlawful absences, the attendance team will review and update the student's attendance improvement plan.

These steps are intended to help schools and families identify attendance concerns early and work together to address barriers to regular attendance.

Why the change?

Regular attendance is important to student success. When students miss school frequently, they miss instruction, classroom experiences, and opportunities to engage with teachers and classmates.

The updated policy is designed to support earlier intervention and align district practices with Pennsylvania attendance requirements and feedback from Truancy Court.

Supporting a smooth transition

Families should continue to report student absences through SchoolMessenger SafeArrival. Absences must be reported by the daily 11:00 a.m. cutoff. When documentation is required, it must be submitted within five school days.

Schools will review attendance expectations and procedures with students and families at the start of the school year.

Learn more

For complete information about attendance expectations, reporting absences, lawful and unlawful absences, vacations, and the Student Attendance Improvement process, please review Policy 204: Attendance and the district's Attendance Procedures.

Regular attendance matters, and we appreciate families' partnership in helping students be present and ready to learn each day.