Why Attendance Matters
At Mount Madonna School, every school day is an opportunity for students to learn, grow, and connect with their teachers and classmates. Being present each day helps children build strong academic habits, develop meaningful friendships, and fully participate in the rich experiences that make our school community so special. We believe that we learn as much from one another as we do from textbooks.
While occasional absences are sometimes unavoidable, regular attendance helps students stay engaged with classroom learning, collaborative projects, and the daily rhythm of school life. Our goal is for every student to attend at least 90% of the school year. Reaching this goal helps students stay connected to their learning, build confidence, and experience the full benefits of being part of our school community.
Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s success. We know that sometimes obstacles can make it difficult for students to attend school regularly, and we’re here to help. If there are challenges affecting your child’s attendance, please don’t hesitate to reach out so we can work together to find solutions and support your family.
To report an absence or if you have any questions, please contact:
Laurie Struckmeyer
Registrar, Mount Madonna School
(408) 846-4024
Attendance Fact: Missing 2 days each month adds up to nearly 4 weeks of school in a year
Why Being on Time Matters
A positive school day begins with a positive start. Arriving on time allows students to settle into the classroom, connect with their teachers and classmates, and begin the day feeling prepared and confident.
Even a few minutes late can mean missing important morning routines, classroom discussions, instructions, or community-building activities that set the tone for the rest of the day. Consistently arriving on time helps students develop responsibility, establish healthy routines, and make the most of every learning opportunity.
We understand that mornings don’t always go as planned, and occasional tardiness happens. Our goal is to partner with families to help students arrive on time as consistently as possible. If your family is experiencing challenges that make it difficult to get to school on time, please reach out as we’re here to help and work together to find solutions.
Thank you for helping your child start each day ready to learn, grow, and be an active part of the Mount Madonna School community.
If you have any questions, please contact:
Laurie Struckmeyer
Registrar, Mount Madonna School
(408) 846-4024
If you need to report an absence or tardy please email:
Attendance Fact: Arriving just 10 minutes late each day adds up to more than 30 hours of missed learning time over the course of a school year.
Understanding School Absences
We know that students occasionally need to miss school due to illness, family emergencies, or other important circumstances. When an absence is necessary, keeping the school informed helps us support your child and maintain accurate attendance records.
Explained Absences are absences for which a parent or guardian notifies the school of the reason. Please contact the school as soon as possible whenever your child will be absent.
Unexplained Absences occur when the school does not receive notification from a parent or guardian. If we have not heard from you, we will reach out to ensure your child is safe and to update our attendance records. Prompt communication helps us accurately document your child’s attendance.
If a student is absent for three or more consecutive school days due to illness, we require that families provide a note from a healthcare provider before the student returns to school. This helps us support your child’s health, ensure they are ready to return to the classroom, and meet our attendance guidelines.
Thank you for partnering with us to keep communication open. By working together, we can support each student’s health, well-being, and continued success at Mount Madonna School.
If you have questions or need to report an absence, please contact:
Laurie Struckmeyer
Registrar, Mount Madonna School
(408) 846-4024
If you need to report an absence or tardy please email:
Attendance Fact: A student who is absent for a week may miss an entire unit, project milestone, or classroom experience.
Late Arrivals & Early Dismissals
Every minute of the school day matters. Arriving late or leaving early may seem like a small interruption, but over time those missed minutes can add up to significant lost learning. Students may miss important instruction, classroom discussions, group activities, and opportunities to connect with their peers.
Whenever possible, we encourage families to schedule appointments and other commitments outside of school hours.
For Lower School:
For the safety of all students, If a late arrival or early dismissal is unavoidable, please notify the school office and your child’s teacher in advance so we can help make the transition as smooth as possible.
For Upper School:
If a late arrival or early dismissal is unavoidable, please notify the school office in advance so we can help make the transition as smooth as possible.For the safety of all students, all late arrivals and early dismissals must be checked in or out through the school office. Students arriving after the start of the school day should sign in at the office before going to class. Likewise, a parent or authorized adult must check a student out through the office before leaving campus early.
Thank you for helping us maximize learning time while ensuring the safety and well-being of every student. Your partnership helps create a positive, consistent school experience for all.
If you have any questions or need to report a late arrival or early dismissal, please contact:
Laurie Struckmeyer
Registrar, Mount Madonna School
(408) 846-4024
If you need to report an absence or tardy please email:
Attendance Fact: Some of the most memorable school moments happen unexpectedly- students have to be present to experience them!
