DCPS & Cluster Tardy Policy and Procedures

At The Cluster we strive for excellence in all areas. Being on time and prepared for the day is one of the key elements needed for children to succeed in their studies. A child cannot succeed if they are not in class.  Attendance is vital for both In Bounds and Out of Bounds children however; DCPS has invoked the new ruling for Out of Boundary children.  Please note:  10 unexcused absences and 20 unexcused tardies can result in the student being sent back to their neighborhood school at the end of the school year. Excused absences and tardies are outlined in the D.C. Municipal Regulations, Chapter 21 to include illness with doctor note, medical/dental appointments, death in the family, court proceedings, contagious disease, religious holiday, DCPS transportation issues or facility closings.  Extended travel is not an unexcused absence.

Watkins Arrival

School starts at 8:45 am, and the cafeteria doors open at 8:15 am for scholars to receive breakfast.  The staff on duty send scholars to class starting at 8:40 am.  After the bell rings at 8:45 am scholars are tardy.  When your child arrives after 8:45 am, Ms. Thomson and Ms. Trotman meet them at the door and give each scholar a pass to enter class.  We are concerned about tardies and absences as we know that being present in class is imperative in order for all scholars to succeed.

Stuart-Hobson Arrival

When your student arrives after 8:45 am, they are directed to Ms. Parker and must receive a pass to enter class.  If they attempt to enter class without a pass the teacher will direct them back to Ms. Parker.  Ms. Parker is in the cafeteria from 8:15 – 9:45; then she returns to her office (room 107).  The distribution of tardy passes does not commence until 8:45 am and ends at 10:00 am.  As a follow-up to ensure the school communicates with each parent, Ms. Parker, Mr. Tingling-Clemmons and Ms. Washington make calls to the homes of each tardy student.

We are concerned about tardies and absences, as we know that being present in class is imperative in order for all students to succeed.  We are using both the carrot and the stick to enforce timely arrival and unexcused absences.  Ask your student about class competition with rewards for being on time and tardy hall at lunch.  Please take the time to talk to your student about this important part of succeeding in life, not just school.