• At Toomer, every day counts. Even excused absences mean missed learning and connections. Use this guide to navigate the basics quickly.

    1) School Day Basics

    • Arrival window: Students may arrive as early as 7:15 a.m. (breakfast available).

    • Start time: Instruction begins promptly at 7:45 a.m.

    • Tardies: Arrivals after 7:45 a.m. are marked tardy (still “present” for the day).

      • Adults must walk tardy students into the building to check them in.

    • Late pickups: After 2:45 p.m., please come inside to sign your child out.

    2) Absences & Documentation

    • Excused or not, absences are absences. Please keep children home only when truly sick.

    • Excused examples: Illness, medical appointments (with note), certain family emergencies.

    • Unexcused absences: Reasons that don’t meet district policy (e.g., vacations or non-illness “skip” days).

    • How to report an absence: Email your child’s teacher and cc Ms. Thomas, Toomer’s Clerk (williamsk@atlanta.k12.ga.us) the same day.

      • Written documentation helps the school code the absence correctly and report to the district.

    3) Early Checkouts

    • Before 11:00 a.m.: Student is counted absent for the day.

    • After 11:00 a.m.: Student is counted present (bring a doctor’s note if applicable).

    • Checkout blackout: No checkouts 1:45–2:15 p.m. (to protect end-of-day instruction & safety).

    4) Why Attendance Matters

    • Missing just 2 days/month ≈ 20 days/year—nearly a full month of learning lost.

    • Consistent attendance builds routines, confidence, and academic progress.

    • Tardies add up—late arrivals disrupt your child’s learning and the class community.

    5) Celebrating Good Attendance

    We recognize strong attendance to encourage healthy habits. Celebration is not punishment for those who are absent—especially for illness. The goal is to highlight positive choices, not to pressure families.

    6) When Your Child Is Sick

    Please keep students home when they’re ill. Rest helps them recover faster and protects others. (Send a quick email or Dojo message to the teacher and cc Ms. Thomas.)

    7) Need Support?

    If your family needs help with routines, transportation, or on-time arrival, please reach out to Ms. Nisha Warren, School Social Worker — nisha.stevenson@atlanta.k12.ga.us

     

    Quick Reference

    • Arrive as early as: 7:15am

    • Tardy after: 7:45am (walk in & sign in)

    • Absent if checked out before: 11:00 a.m.

    • No checkouts: 1:45–2:15 p.m.

    • Late pickup: after 2:45pm (come inside to sign out)

    • Report absences: Email/Dojo message teacher + cc Ms. Thomas (front office)