Excessive Absenteeism

Excused Absences The following absences will be considered excused if they are confirmed by communication to the school from the student's parent/guardian: 1. Physical or mental illness of the student or of a child whom the student is parenting (a physician’s verification is required after four (4) consecutive days of absence for illness) 2. Severe weather (Parent Confirmed) 3. Medical appointments for the student or for a child whom the student is parenting 4. Death or serious illness of the student’s family member 5. Attending a funeral, wedding or graduation 6. Appearance at court or for other legal matters 7. Observance of religious holidays of the student's own faith 8. College planning visits a. Juniors 1 day- Personal Visit b. Seniors 3 days- Personal Visit c. All school planned college visitations9. Personal or family vacations (Pre-arranged and Pre-Made up) Unexcused Absence If a student is absent and a parent does not notify the school before 8:30 am, the student will have an unexcused absence and will receive a 0 for any homework that is/was not completed. Teachers have the option to give some credit if/when the homework is completed. Excessive Absenteeism When a student receives 3 unexcused absences or the hourly equivalent in any semester, the Attendance Officer will follow the district’s policy to address barriers to the student’s attendance. When a student is absent more than 20 days per year or the hourly equivalent and any portion of the absences is unexcused, the Attendance Officer may file a report with the county attorney of the county in which the student resides. For example, if the student accumulates 23 days of excused absences due to documented illness and is tardy one time, the Attendance Officer may file a report with the appropriate county attorney. Absences due to illness The school district will contact parents if a student becomes ill at school. A student who is absent due to illness has two days for every day of absence to complete missed assignments. Planned absences Parents who know in advance that a student will be absent must call the school or send a written note at the earliest possible date. Students who will be absent for reasons that can be anticipated, such as routine medical appointments and school activities, must complete any work required by the teacher before the absence. Parents should make every attempt to schedule medical and other appointments after school hours when possible. Students are obligated to: 1) Complete all class work in advance for any absence that can be anticipated. 2) Attend school a half day before attending practice or participating in a scheduled student activity except in cases of family emergencies or pre-arranged absences. 3) Check out of school at the office if leaving school during the school day. 4) Make up any and all work that is assigned by teachers as make-up work for the instructional time that has been missed.Parents are obligated to: 1) Call the office to inform the school of the reason for each absence. 2) Submit a doctor's statement, if requested, for each period of absence due to illness that exceeds five days.