Teller Elementary School
Chronic Absenteeism Email
09/27/24, 1:29 PM
Dear Teller Families,
I hope this message finds you well. I am reaching out because many Teller families received a district-generated email yesterday regarding their child's attendance. The purpose of the email was to inform families about chronic absenteeism, which is a focus for all Denver Public Schools and aligns with both Colorado and national Calls to Action.
Last year, DPS had 33,000 students who were chronically absent. Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student missing 10% or more of their enrolled time in school for any reason—whether excused, unexcused, or due to suspension. This also includes when students arrive late or leave before the end of the school day. Yesterday's message calculated the minutes of school missed and converted that into the number of school days missed.
As a reminder, an excused absence includes:
- Temporary illness or injury (including related appointments)
- Physical, mental, or emotional disability (including related appointments)
- Religious observances
- Death in the immediate family
- School service absences (approved by the principal)
- Absences due to suspension or expulsion
Outside of these, an excused absence is any absence approved by both the parent/guardian and the school principal.
An unexcused absence is any absence without permission from both the parent/guardian and the school principal.
To report an absence, Teller families can call our attendance line at 720-424-3568 or use ReachWell.
Best,
Sabrina Bates, Principal
Jason Smartt, Assistant Principal
