Types of Absences

Excused / Unexcused Absences

Excused / Unexcused Absences

Excused absences are accounted for by parent contact with the attendance office.   These absences will be considered as part of a student's overall absenteeism, however, and follow up per the recommended guidelines will occur.  School activities do not count as an absence. 

The following absences (outside of the tardy window) will be marked as “unexcused”

·       If a student comes to class late without a pass or leaves early

·       If a student leaves a class without a pass and/or without communicating with staff

·       If a student leaves with a hall pass and does not return or avoids class

Excused absences include: 

1. illness (personal or family member) - The attendance office may request a doctor's confirmation if s/he deems it advisable but is not a requirement to be considered excused.

2. recovery from accident

3. required court attendance

4. professional appointments - Parents are to be encouraged to schedule medical, dental, legal, and other necessary appointments other than during the school day. Since this is not always possible, when a student is to be absent for part of the day the student shall have a written or verbal statement to that effect from his/her parents.

5. death in the immediate family

6. observation or celebration of a bona fide religious holiday - Any student shall be excused for the purpose of observing a religious holiday consistent with his/her creed or belief.

7. such other good cause as may be acceptable to the Superintendent;

   1. quarantine of the home - This is limited to the length of the quarantine as fixed by the proper health officials.

   2. family vacations - Students are permitted to go on vacation during the school year without penalty (except the week ending each semester if applicable)

Excusable, Non-approved Absence

If a student is absent from school because of suspension, the absence will be not be considered a truancy, and s/he may be given the opportunity to make up the work missed.

Pre-Arranged Absences

Parents may arrange for their student to accompany them on a family trip.  However, the student must pre-arrange the absence with the attendance office at least two weeks prior to leaving.  Assignment request forms may be picked up in the attendance office. The forms should be initialed by each teacher and then returned to the attendance office.

Pre-Arranged Absences for Appointments

It is helpful for parents to schedule medical and dental appointments before or after school hours and on scheduled days off. If scheduling at these times is not possible, please send a note to the school office with your student or call the office. Students should get an early dismissal slip from the office before school begins. These slips should be given to the teacher from the class in which the student will be leaving. When students return from a medical/legal appointment please have an official document that states when they were seen. 

Injury and Illness 

All injuries must be reported to a teacher or the office. If minor, the student will be treated and may return to class. If medical attention is required, the office will follow the School’s emergency procedures.

 A student who becomes ill during the school day should request permission to go to the office. An appropriate adult in the office will determine whether or not the student should remain in school or go home. No student will be released from school without proper parental permission.