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Every Day Counts: Partnering for Student Success

Posted Date: 08/18/26 (10:00 AM)
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August 18, 2026

Dear FUSD Families,

As we settle into the new school year, we would like to remind families that Every Day Counts. Regular school attendance plays an important role in student success, and we appreciate your partnership in helping students build positive attendance habits from the very beginning of the year.

Students who attend school consistently are more likely to stay engaged in their learning, build meaningful relationships, develop confidence, and achieve academic success. Even a few missed days can make it more difficult for students to keep up with classroom instruction and stay connected to their school community.

We understand that circumstances sometimes make it difficult for students to attend school. If your family is experiencing barriers related to transportation, health concerns, or other challenges, please reach out to your child's school. We are committed to working together to support every student.

Reporting Absences

If your child will be absent or late, families must call their school's attendance office or absence hotline and provide the reason for the absence or tardy.

School Attendance Hotlines

  • Coconino High School: (928) 773-8211

  • Cromer Elementary: (928) 773-4159

  • DeMiguel Elementary: (928) 773-4009

  • Flagstaff High School: (928) 773-8110

  • Killip Elementary: (928) 773-4089

  • Kinsey Elementary: (928) 773-4069

  • Knoles Elementary: (928) 773-4120

  • Leupp Elementary: (928) 686-6266

  • Marshall Elementary: (928) 773-4038

  • Mount Elden Middle School: (928) 773-8261

  • Puente de Hózhó Elementary: (928) 773-4099

  • Sechrist Elementary: (928) 773-4029

  • Sinagua Middle School: (928) 527-5510

  • Summit High School: (928) 773-8198

  • Thomas Elementary: (928) 773-4119

If a student is not in class, they are initially marked with an Unverified Absence (UNV) until parent or guardian communication is received. If a student is late, they are marked Tardy Unverified (TU) until the school receives verification. Absences that are not verified by a parent, guardian, or school administrator will remain Unexcused (UE).

Acceptable reasons for an excused absence include:

  • Illness

  • Doctor appointments

  • Mental or behavioral health appointments

  • Homelessness

  • Bereavement

  • Family emergencies

  • Family vacations (up to 3 days per school year before becoming unexcused)

  • Time necessary to process for the armed forces

  • Out-of-school suspensions

In some cases, school administration may require documentation.

Attendance Plus Through ParentSquare

This year, FUSD is utilizing ParentSquare Attendance Plus to improve communication between families and schools regarding attendance.

Families will receive automated messages through ParentSquare regarding absences, attendance trends, and interventions or support when attendance concerns arise. Families can respond directly to these messages to communicate with school staff and provide additional information.

Please remember that ParentSquare Attendance Plus does not replace the school's absence reporting process at this time. If your child will be absent or late, you should still call your school's attendance office or absence hotline in advance.

Attendance Notifications

For secondary schools, automated phone calls, emails, and text messages will be sent twice each day to notify families of any unverified absences or tardies. One notification will be sent in the morning and another in the afternoon.

For elementary schools, families will receive one automated notification each morning for unverified absences or tardies.

If we do not receive parent or guardian communication within 48 hours, unverified absences will be marked as unexcused.

Families will be notified if your child is trending towards being chronically absent (missing 10 percent of enrolled days for any reason) to identify ways to partner to improve school attendance. Referrals to the Coconino Juvenile Courts for supportive, not punitive, measures may also be made. 


Parents and guardians can review their child(ren)’s absences in ParentVUE by logging into the website or app, then selecting ‘Attendance’ from the menu.

Illness Guidelines


If your child is sick, you can find guidance on when it is recommended to keep them home on our Health Services page or connect with your school nurse. 


Mental Health Matters


We understand that mental health is just as important as physical health. If your child is struggling, please contact your school counselor or visit our Parent and Student Supports page for resources.


Transportation Help


If you have bus transportation questions, please contact our Transportation Department at (928) 527-2300. 


All secondary students can receive a free Mountain Line pass for the school year. Students who need a pass can visit the Mountain Line office at 216 W. Phoenix Ave or call (928) 779-6624. 


Families may also wish to connect with neighbors or friends to arrange carpools when possible.

Thank you for partnering with us to build strong attendance habits! Together, we can help ensure that every student is present, engaged, and prepared to discover their path.