Absence Reporting

Easy Absence Reporting

Oakridge provides 3 easy methods to report student absences that improve student safety.

1) SchoolMessenger app (free)

  1. If the school has your email address on file, get the app from the Apple App Store or the Google Play Store.
  2. In the app, tap "Sign Up" to create your account.
  3. Select Attendance from the menu, and then select Report an Absence.
  4. If you have not provided your current email address and phone number to the school, then you'll need to update your parent contact information via FinalForms.  It will require office staff to review/approve the update then 24 hours for the change to populate SafeArrival before you can create your account.  This is a security protocol to protect your personal information and your child.
    • Note:  Parents of GSRP students do not use Final Forms.  You should contact your GSRP teacher to provide correct parent contact information.

2) Computer Web Browser 

  1. If the school has your email address on file, go to the SchoolMessenger website.
  2. Click Sign Up (upper right corner) to create your account or sign-in.
  3. Select Attendance from the menu, then select Report an Absence.
  4. If you have not provided your current email address and phone number to the school, then you'll need to update your parent contact information via FinalForms.  It will require office staff to review/approve the update then 24 hours for the change to populate SafeArrival before you can create your account.  This is a security protocol to protect your personal information and your child.
    • Note:  Parents of GSRP students do not use Final Forms.  You should contact your GSRP teacher to provide correct parent contact information.

3) Interactive Toll-free Phone

  • Call the toll-free, interactive telephone system at 1-877-688-7681
  • If the phone number you are calling from matches the parent phone number on file for your student(s), you will hear your student’(s) name(s).  If the system does NOT recognize your phone number, you will be asked to enter the student’s home phone number.
  • Follow the automated instructions to report an absence.
  • There are options to put a PIN number on the account to add security.  This can be done in the SchoolMessenger App or computer browser web account.
  • If you have difficulty using the toll-free phone line, please consider using the SchoolMessenger App or website. Otherwise, contact the school directly.

Absences Can Be Reported in Advance  

  • 24 hours/day, 7 days a week, for any school day in the school term, up to the cut-off time on the day of the absence.
  • Whenever an absence is reported or updated, the parent will receive a confirmation notice by email and/or text message (assuming you have provided your contact information to the school).

Parents Will Be Notified if Student Absences Are Not Reported

If you don’t report your child’s absence in advance, the automated notification system will try to contact you (using your communication preferences if you have set them up in the SchoolMessenger app). This may include push notifications to the app, email, SMS text messages, or phone calls. You will be asked to provide the reason for your child’s absence immediately. You may do so using the phone line, website or mobile app.

Notifications will initiate on the following schedule:

  • Lower Elementary, Upper Elementary, ECSE, GSRP:  
    • 10:00 AM for AM absence notifications
    • 2:00 PM for PM absence notifications
  • Middle School, High School, Fusion:
    • 12:00 PM for absence notifications for AM classes
    • 3:00 PM for absence notifications for PM classes

If you try to explain an absence using the SchoolMessenger App, but are then told that it is past the cut-off time, please contact the school directly.

If you don’t want to receive notifications when your child is absent, then report your child’s absence in advance.

If you do receive notifications of your child’s absence, be sure to provide the reason as quickly as possible, using one of the methods listed above or during the phone call notification itself.

Why do I Need the SchoolMessenger App Account?

The SchoolMessenger App account allows you to easily report absences.   The app is not required to use the toll-free phone line to report absences.  

Why Can't I See My Child(ren) in my Account or Why Can't I Setup My Account?

The number one issue that causes this is not having accurate parent email addresses or phone numbers on file with the school.  If you cannot set up your account, you do not see the ATTENDANCE option, or you do not see your child(ren) listed in your account, please contact the school directly to check that your correct email address and phone number are associated with your child(ren).  You will likely be asked to updated your parent contact information via FinalForms. 

Exception: Parents of GSRP students do not use Final Forms. Such parents should provide accurate contact information to your child's teacher.

Do You Want Urgent Text Messages to Your Cell Phone?

Our school can deliver text messages straight to your mobile phone with important information about emergencies, school closings, and safety alerts.  You must opt-in by sending a text message of “Y” or “Yes” to our school’s short code number, 67587.  You can also opt-out of these messages at any time by simply replying to one of our messages with “Stop”.  This system is compliant with the Student Privacy Pledge so you can rest assured that your information is safe and will never be given or sold to anyone.