New for 2026-2027: Reporting Student Absences with SafeArrival
Submitted by Aaron Moran, Superintendent, Tipp City Schools
Part 2 of our series highlighting important policy and procedural updates for the 2026-2027 school year.
A New Way to Report Absences
Beginning with the 2026-2027 school year, Tipp City Schools will require parents and guardians to report all student absences using SchoolMessenger SafeArrival, our new attendance reporting system designed to be simple and dependable.
SafeArrival provides a secure, convenient, and consistent way for families to notify schools when a student will be absent, arrive late, or leave early. The system replaces previous attendance reporting methods and helps ensure schools receive accurate information as quickly as possible while strengthening student safety. SafeArrival allows parents and guardians to report absences in advance, receive confirmation that an absence has been submitted, and review or update attendance information to confirm proper recording.
Three Ways to Report an Absence
Parents and guardians may report absences in one of three ways: through the SchoolMessenger SafeArrival mobile app, website, or toll-free telephone number.
● SchoolMessenger App – Download the free SchoolMessenger app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
● Online – Visit go.schoolmessenger.com using the email address associated with your student’s PowerSchool account.
● Phone – Call the SafeArrival attendance line at 1-888-918-2561 and follow the automated prompts.
Creating Your SchoolMessenger Account
To create a SchoolMessenger account, the custodial parent or guardian must use the email provided in PowerSchool. This is the email address already linked to the student’s information, so it is important to ensure it is up to date and accurate. If you are unable to create an account or do not see your student listed after signing in, please contact Alexis Chapman, Technology Integration Specialist, at 937-669-6389 to verify your contact information.
What Happens if an Absence Is Not Reported
If an absence is not reported within 30 minutes of the start of school, parents or guardians will receive an automated notification, based on their preferred notification settings, indicating that their student has been marked absent.
The notification will prompt the parent or guardian to provide the reason for the absence. Families may respond through the SafeArrival phone line, website, or mobile app. If the absence remains unexplained, a school attendance secretary will follow up to verify the student’s safety and ensure the attendance record is accurate. After the SafeArrival reporting window has closed, families should contact the school office directly to provide or update absence information.
Reporting Multiple-Day and Planned Absences
Parents and guardians are required to report every student’s absence. If a student will be absent for multiple consecutive days, SafeArrival allows families to report all of those days in a single submission. The system also makes it easy to plan for appointments or other anticipated absences.
Why Tipp City Schools Is Using SafeArrival
Moving to a single attendance reporting system will improve communication between families and schools while helping ensure attendance information is received quickly and accurately. SafeArrival also enhances student safety by allowing schools to identify and follow up on unexpected absences more efficiently.
Important Reporting Reminder
All absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals must be reported through SafeArrival. Calling, emailing, or sending a note directly to the school office will no longer be the official method for reporting an absence.
Additional Documentation May Be Required
While SafeArrival is used to report an absence, additional documentation may still be required in certain situations, such as extended illnesses, medical appointments, or other circumstances outlined in district policy.
We encourage families to become familiar with SafeArrival before the first day of school to ensure attendance is recorded correctly. Absences should be reported before the start of the school day whenever possible.
Questions about SafeArrival may be directed to Alexis Chapman, Technology Integration Specialist, 937-669-6389.