It is important that you be at school every day unless you are sick. Please bring a note from your parents on the day you return to school – no later than three days from your return to school. The note should explain when you were absent and the reason why.
POLICY
The responsibility of school attendance is that of both parents/families and students. School attendance is important as it underscores the significance of learning and obtaining an education in our ever-evolving society. Regular school attendance also correlates strongly with improved grades and it helps students develop good work habits that will carry over in life. To aid students in being academically successful, attendance is required for attainment of the Academic Knowledge and Skills (AKS) standards. The Superintendent has designated the minimum levels of attendance in procedure consistent with state standards.
Truant - Any child subject to compulsory attendance who during the school calendar year has more than 10 days of unexcused absences.
Compulsory Attendance - Attendance in a public school, private school, or home school program is required for children between their 6th and 16th birthdays. Every parent, guardian, or other person residing in this state having control or charge of any child between their 6th and 16th birthdays shall be responsible for enrolling and sending such child to a public school, private school, or home school program. Attendance in a public school, private school, or a home school program is required regardless of the fact that a child has been suspended or expelled from school by the local board of education.
Tardy - Students are considered tardy to school or class if the student arrives at a designated location after a school bell, chime, or buzzer has sounded.
Early Checkout - When a parent, guardian, or other person having charge or control of a student authorizes a student to leave the facility before the end of the school day. School day hours are published in local school handbooks.
Excused Absences - State Board of Education Rule 160-5-1-.10 defines the following as excused absences:
Personal illness or attendance in school endangers a student’s health or the health of others.
A serious illness or death in the student’s immediate family necessitating absence from school.
A court order or an order by a government agency mandating absence from school.
Observing religious holidays, necessitating absence from school.
Conditions rendering attendance impossible or hazardous to student health or safety.
Public school students visiting with a parent or legal guardian prior to or during leave from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting as a member of the armed forces of the United States or the National Guard are allowed five excused absences per school year.
A student who participates in an activity or program sponsored by 4-H.
PROCEDURE
Parents or guardians are encouraged to contact the school on the day of the student’s absence to indicate the reason for the absence. Parents or guardians also must send a signed and dated written note when the student returns to school explaining the reason for the absence, the date(s) of the absence(s), and a daytime phone number.
ABSENCES AND GRADING
Absences shall not penalize student grades if the following conditions are met:
Absences are justified and validated for excused
Make-up work for all absences is completed satisfactorily. (Although an absence may be considered “unexcused,” make-up work for approved, prearranged absences will be permitted.)
When students are suspended short-term (1–10 days), students are responsible for making arrangements and completing make-up work within 5 days of their absence as specified by the local school.
Students that do not attend school for ten (10) consecutive days without notification of the absence reason by the parent/guardian are subject to withdrawal.
Students must attend school for at least the equivalent of half the school day in order to be counted for the whole day.