Daily Grade Level Schedules

Every Minute Counts: The Power of Daily Attendance

At Pearl River Central Elementary School, we believe that every single day—and every single minute—matters. Our instructional schedule is carefully crafted to maximize learning, from the morning bell to afternoon dismissal. When students are here, they are engaging in the critical foundational literacy and math skills that set the stage for their entire academic journey.

Because our curriculum relies heavily on consistent, daily instruction and collaborative learning, missing even a small amount of school can create immediate gaps. For our primary and elementary students, missing school doesn't just mean missing an assignment; it means missing the direct, hands-on teaching, real-time feedback, and the peer interactions that help concepts truly stick.

To help us give your child the education they deserve, we ask that our families closely utilize our school calendar and daily schedule when planning appointments, trips, and family events. Making every effort to plan around the school day protects your child’s instructional minutes and shields them from the academic frustration that chronic absences can cause.

Thank you for partnering with us to keep our Blue Devils safe, happy, present, and learning!

Student Attendance & Daily Schedule

Regular daily attendance is a vital part of the learning process at Pearl River Central Elementary School. Mississippi law requires students to attend school for 180 days per school year. Every instructional minute counts toward building a strong academic foundation for our Blue Devils.

Daily Schedule & Bell Times

7:05 AM – 7:35 AM: Carline Arrival / Drop-Off Window
7:35 AM: Morning Bell / Tardy Threshold (Students arriving after 7:35 AM must be walked into the office by a parent to sign in).
1:20 PM: Final Daily Check-Out Time (No check-outs are permitted after this time).
2:10 PM: Carline & Bus Dismissal Begins

Understanding Absences: Excused vs. Unexcused

To support your child's academic success and stay compliant with state laws, it is important to know how absences are classified and when official documentation is required. When a student misses school, the absence is classified as either Excused or Unexcused. All missed schoolwork can be made up for credit.

🟢 What is an Excused Absence?

An absence is considered "Excused" when the school receives a valid written reason within 5 days of the student returning to school (and before the final day of that current month).

Parent Excuses (Limit 6 Per Year): Parents can write notes or emails to excuse up to 6 total days per school year—split evenly as 3 days in the first semester and 3 days in the second semester.
Medical/Official Excuses (Unlimited): Once the 6-day parent note limit has been reached, all future absences require a physician's statement, court documentation, or approval from a school administrator to be marked as excused.
Academic Work: Students with excused absences are fully permitted to make up all missed classroom assignments and tests for full credit.

🔴 What is an Unexcused Absence?

An absence is classified as "Unexcused" if it does not meet the state and district criteria for a valid excuse, or if the proper documentation is not turned in on time.

Missed Timelines: Even if an absence is for a valid reason (like being sick), it will permanently default to Unexcused if a written note or email is not submitted within 5 days of the student's return.
Suspensions: According to Mississippi Code, days missed due to school suspension are legally classified as unexcused absences.

The "5-Day" and "12-Day" State Thresholds:
- At 5 Unexcused Absences: The school is legally mandated by the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law to report the student to the State Attendance Officer, who will formally notify the parents of the violation.
- At 12 Unexcused Absences: The State Attendance Officer is authorized to file official legal charges against the parent or guardian for attendance law violations.

📬 How to Submit an Absence Excuse

When your child returns to campus, please submit their excuse using one of the following methods:

Email: Send the details to prcesparentnotes@prc.k12.ms.us
ParentSquare: Respond directly to the automated attendance message sent by the school.
Written Note: Send a paper note to school with your child or hand it to the front office.

Every Note Must Include: The student's full first and last name, their teacher's name, the exact date(s) of the absence, the specific reason for missing school, a parent/guardian signature, and a working phone number.

End-of-Year Attendance Awards

We love celebrating our students' dedication! At the end of the school year, the Perfect Attendance Award is presented to students who maintain a 100% attendance record—meaning zero absences, zero tardies, and zero early dismissals up to the day of the presentation.