Absence Policy 

One of the most important habits a student can develop is good school attendance. School attendance is not only a good habit, it is also required by state law that students between the ages of 6-16 must be in school. To encourage school attendance, Maricopa County Community Service Division/Juvenile Probation and PVUSD have developed a program entitled Court Unified Truancy Suppression (CUTS). CUTS is a program designed by the state of Arizona to encourage students to attend school.

  • Education is compulsory from the ages of six through sixteen.

  • When a student within this age group is truant from school, they are in violation of state law #15-803A.

  • If a student accumulates five truancies, the Principal must issue a citation and set up a court date for the student and his/her parents.

  • If the student has not been in trouble with the law in the past, a court official will conduct a hearing at the Instructional Material Center by the District Office Complex.

Note: the court official will, at the end of the hearing, charge a $50.00 court fee, assign the student Saturday school and assign the student community service hours. Our goal is for every student to be in school ready and willing to learn.

  • Students will not be allowed to leave campus without being signed out by the parent or a parent approved surrogate over 18 years old, even if released by the nurse. 

  • In most cases, parents will be contacted by phone to confirm the written permission.

  • If a Middle or High school student chooses to leave campus, we will notify the parent and in many cases contact the police.

  • There is a consequence assigned for leaving campus without permission. For this purpose, campus is defined as the area within the fence/gates.

Tardy Procedures

  • Students who arrive late must report to the main office at 3540 E. Cholla.

  • The students will be given a pass allowing entrance into class.

  • The secretary will record absences and tardies.

  • If parents know that their child will be tardy, please call the office at 602-449-2600, as early as possible.

  • For elementary and middle school students, tardy notification should be made prior to 9:00 a.m.

  • Elementary lunches are ordered at 9:00 a.m., so please indicate if your child will need to order lunch when you call.

  • For high students, tardy notifications should be made prior to 8:00 a.m. Lunch orders should be placed while calling if you wish for your child to have a school lunch.

Reporting an Absence

  • We have a voice messaging system available between 3:30 p.m. and 7 a.m.

  • You may still call the Roadrunner office during normal office hours (7 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.) to report your child’s absence.

  • Be sure to leave your child’s full name, reason for absence and length of time for absence, if you know it.

  • Remember, any absence over 3 days requires a doctor note to be excused.