Attendance Information

Consistent school attendance is critical for student achievement. If students are not present, they cannot benefit from classroom instruction. State attendance laws require student attendance for course credit and grade-level promotion. Additionally, state attendance laws require intervention when a student is deemed truant.Attendance for Promotion/Retention PurposesTo be promoted to the next grade or receive credit for high school courses, students may not be absent from school or class for more than ten (10) days for year-long courses or five (5) days for semester courses, unless the absences are excused.

• An absence is considered excused if a valid medical doctor's written statement is provided within 3 school days after the absence.
• An absence for bereavement, due to a death in the student’s immediate family, maybe excused if an obituary or program of service verifying the death is provided to the attendance clerk within 3 school days after the absence.
• An absence for a nationally recognized religious holiday of the student’s faith may be excused if a request is made in writing to the principal and written approval is received prior to the absence.
• A parent may request approval of absence for hardship, in writing, utilizing the Request for Approval form. This form may be obtained from the school. The form must be completed and submitted prior to the absence (if the parent has prior knowledge), or within 3 days following the absence.

A student is considered truant:

1. After three (3) consecutive all-day absences, five (5) cumulative all-day absences, or five cumulative class absences within the same class period, which are not excused by a medical doctor's written statement, proof of bereavement, or principal's approval; or,

2. After an elementary school student has accumulated ten (10) or more unexcused tardy or early release days. (Note: Tardiness in middle and high schools is considered a disciplinary issue.)

After a student reaches truancy status, the principal or his/her designee will immediately attempt to establish contact with the parent to arrange a conference. During this conference, the principal or his/her designee will develop a written plan with the parent to ensure that the parent, the student, and the school have an understanding regarding the future attendance of the student. The plan will help to establish goals for regular school attendance and will be monitored to ensure compliance. Failure to comply with the plan may result in legal proceedings through family court. If a conference is held, and the student is unlawfully absent again, he/she will be referred to the District Attendance Coordinator. The District Attendance Coordinator may refer the student to family court for a motion for court-ordered attendance. No student who is lawfully absent will be referred.