Harford County Public Schools will utilize a new automated attendance system beginning on Monday, Jan. 28.
The new system should inform parents and guardians sooner in the day if their child is not in school, the district said. As attendance was entered manually in the past, attendance calls would be sent out at 5 p.m., after all results had been processed. New software allows homeroom teachers to input their student rolls at the start of the day. This will automatically generate an attendance report more rapidly.
Calls will now be generated at the following times for each respective school:
- High schools and North Harford Middle School – 9:30 a.m.
- Middle schools – 10:00 a.m.
- Elementary schools and the Alternative Education Program – 11:00 a.m. • Afternoon Pre-K – 2:00 p.m.
“Please be aware and understanding that if your student is late to school, you may receive a call indicating he or she is absent,” said HCPS Manager of Communications Jillian Lader in a statement.
Students who do arrive late will have their information corrected in the system, but it may be after a call has already been automatically issued for that pupil, the district said. Parents should make sure their contact information is up to date and on file with their child’s school or through the Balckboard Connect5 Parent Portal.
“We have heard from our community members that they want to be notified earlier in the day when their child is absent from school,” said Superintendent of Schools Sean Bulson said in a statement. “We are listening to your concerns, and we are making every effort possible to address them.”
