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Attendance

Aspen Public Schools believes consistent attendance is key to student success. This page outlines how absences, tardies, and independent study are handled across our campuses.
In School, On Track

A Commitment to Consistency

Aspen’s approach to attendance combines clear expectations with individualized support. While each campus may differ slightly in start times and daily routines, all follow the same core attendance policies outlined in the Aspen Public Schools Student Handbook. These shared guidelines ensure students across our network have the structure and encouragement they need to succeed—whether they’re Owls, Eagles, or Ravens. By partnering with families, we prioritize both accountability and flexibility, helping students thrive through strong attendance habits.
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Table of Contents

School Hours

Students are expected to arrive on time and be ready for the day. Any student who arrives after the start time for their grade level will be marked tardy.

Aspen Meadow & Aspen Valley
  • Supervision begins at 7:15 a.m.
  • Breakfast is served from 7:15–7:45 a.m.
  • The morning bell rings at 7:55 a.m., signaling students to walk to class.
  • Instruction begins at 8:00 a.m.

Bell Schedule

  • Transitional Kindergarten (TK)
    Mon–Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m.
  • Kindergarten
    Mon–Thurs: 8:00 a.m. – 2:50 p.m.
    Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 12:50 p.m.
  • 1st – 6th Grade
    Mon–Thurs: 8:00 a.m. – 3:15 p.m.
    Fri: 8:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.

Recess and lunch vary by grade level. View the full schedule in the student handbook or on the campus website for more details.

Aspen Valley Bell Schedule
Aspen Meadow Bell Schedule
Aspen Ridge
  • Supervision begins at 7:45 a.m.
  • Students arriving early will wait in the cafeteria until campus opens at 8:00 a.m.
  • Breakfast is served from 8:00–8:25 a.m.
  • The morning bell rings at 8:25 a.m., and instruction begins at 8:30 a.m.

Bell Schedule

  • Regular Schedule (Mon–Thurs)
    Advisory: 8:30–8:55 a.m.
    Periods 1–7: 8:58 a.m. – 3:55 p.m.
    Lunch is held during Period 4
  • Early Release Schedule (Fri)
    School ends at 1:00 p.m.
    Shortened periods with a 15-minute break

Full details, including individual period times, are available on the Ridge website or in the student handbook.

Aspen Ridge Bell Schedule

Tardies & Unexcused Absences

A tardy becomes unexcused if a student arrives 30+ minutes late without a valid excuse.

After 3 unexcused absences or tardies over 30 minutes, families receive a Truancy Notice.

Further unexcused absences may lead to a Student Attendance Review Team (SART) contract and, if necessary, additional administrative action, including possible disenrollment.

Excused Absences

Absences are considered excused for the following reasons (among others):

  • Illness (including mental or behavioral health)
  • Medical/dental/chiropractic/optometric appointments
  • Quarantine
  • Funeral of an immediate family member (1 day in CA, 3 days out-of-state)
  • Court appearances, jury duty, religious or cultural observances
  • College visits, employment interviews, civic/political events (grades 6–12)
  • Parent leave for pregnant/parenting students (up to 8 weeks)
  • And more, with pre-approval from the Site Director

Absence Verification Requirements

Absences must be verified through one of the following:

  • A signed note from a parent/guardian
  • A phone or in-person conversation with office staff
  • A healthcare provider’s note (required after 10 illness-related absences without prior medical documentation)

Independent Study

If a student will miss school for 1 or more days, families may request a Short-Term Independent Study Contract (up to 15 days).

Contracts must be arranged in advance through the office and all work must be completed and returned by the student’s return date.

Truancy Definitions

  • Truant: 3+ unexcused absences/tardies over 30 minutes
  • Habitual Truant: 5+ unexcused absences/tardies
  • Chronic Truant: Absent without valid excuse for 10% or more of school days in a year

Repeated truancy triggers the SART process, which includes family meetings and written contracts to support improvement.

First Week of School

Students who do not attend within the first five days of the school year without an approved excuse may be disenrolled, following the Involuntary Removal Process.

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