Attendance and Truancy

The Board of Trustees of Vida Charter School requires that a student enrolled at Vida Charter School attend school daily and on time in accordance with the compulsory attendance laws of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

Families must excuse absences within 1 week of absence, or days will become “locked” and unexcusable. Parents/guardians are required to notify the school in writing on all days when students will be absent. Notification can be made by email, through the survey available through the QR code on the right, or written note (template). Families may call 717-334-3643 if they have any questions. Please note that if your child is absent due to illness, they are not permitted to attend Vida-sponsored activities in the evening.

Some absences will be excused if you communicate with the school. These include:

• The child’s illness or injury;
• Death in the immediate family;
• Medical or dental appointments for the student that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours. Notice of such an absence must be provided prior to the day of the appointment, except in the case of an emergency;
• Observance of religious holiday;
• School sponsored conferences or trips;
• Pre-approved educational trips. In accordance with Vida Charter School policy, educational field trips must be limited to 10 days or fewer per school year. Please submit an “Educational Trip Approval Form” request at least seven days before the planned trip. This document is available on the Vida website and in the front office. Days will not be approved during PSSA State Testing for students in 3-6 grade.

Vida Charter School will enforce the compulsory attendance laws as required by Charter School Law in the Pennsylvania School Code.