Frequently Asked Questions

Parent(s)/guardian(s) may report a student absence to Westside Elementary 24 hours a day by calling our Attendance Line at 834-7500, press 1 to report a student absence.  Please leave a short message with the following information:

• Child’s name
• Teacher’s name or grade
• Reason for absence
• Who is calling

Please call the attendance line before 9 am any morning your child will not be in school.  If we don’t hear from you, we will contact you at home or work.  We want to make sure of your child’s safe arrival. 

We ask that you please do not call or email your child’s teacher, as this message is not often relayed to attendance desk, which may result in you receiving a phone call.

Your child’s absence will be considered UNEXCUSED if:

• we do not receive a call from you by 9 am.
• the reason for the absence is in question. In this case, Student Services will discuss the situation with you.
• your child has a pattern of absences/tardiness.  In this case, you will receive a letter from Student Services.

Please try to make arrangements for after-school pick ups with your child prior to the start of the day. 

We understand circumstances change and will try to deliver messages by the end of the day.  Please call the Welcome Secretary at 834-7509 if that is the case.  However, to minimize missed messages or classroom disruptions, it is helpful to know the plan in advance.

If your student has an appointment before school or during the school day, please call the Attendance Line at 834-7500, press 1 to leave the following information:

• Name of Student
• Student's Teacher
• Time of pick up
• If the student will be returning to school

While we try to accommodate all early pickups, we do ask that you give yourself adequate time before your appointment.

If you are picking a student up during the school day you must sign them out in the main office; please bring your ID with you.

Please remember that there is absolutely NO eating allowed on district buses. Many students have life-threatening food allergies that could be affected by others eating on the bus.

If your child does not get a chance to eat breakfast at home before school, please make sure he/she knows to wait until they arrive at school before eating to ensure the safety of everyone.

If your child is given a snack or treat at the end of the day we also ask that they eat it at school or wait until they get home.

Cell phones and personal electronics are allowed on school buses. However, students are asked to please be respectful and responsible when using their phones and other devices. Headphones or earbuds are required when listening to music or videos as to not distract the driver or disrupt other students. Absolutely no flash or bright lights are allowed - this is a major safety issue for the driver. All school and district policies and procedures relating to personal electronic devices also apply while students are on the bus.

You can add money to your student’s lunch account through your Infinite Campus Parent Portal account.

Money can also be turned in with a lunch money envelope at the school’s main office. The envelope will then be forwarded to the Nutrition Office at the District Support Center for processing.