Lawful Absences
● Absences caused by a student’s illness and whose attendance in school would endanger his or her health or
the health of others. These absences must be verified by a physician statement within three (3) days of the
student’s return to school.
● Absences due to an illness or death in the student’s immediate family verified by a statement from the
parent within three (3) days of the student’s return to school.
● Absences due to a recognized religious holiday of the student’s faith when approved in advance. Such
requests must be made to the principal in writing.
● Absences for students whose parents/guardians are experiencing a military deployment. Specifically absences
when the parent or legal guardian of a student is an active duty member of the uniformed services and has
been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat
support posting, shall be excused as long as such absences are reasonable in duration as deemed by the
principal so that the student can visit with his or her parent or legal guardian relative to such leave or
deployment of the parent or legal guardian.
● Absences due to activities that are approved in advance by the principal. This would include absences
for extreme hardships. Such approval should be prearranged when possible.
Unlawful Absences
● Absences of a student without the knowledge of his or her parents
● Absences of a student without acceptable cause with the knowledge of his or her parents
● Suspension is not to be counted as an unlawful absence for truancy purposes
Absences
For students in grades K-12, principals shall promptly approve or disapprove any student’s absence in excess of ten
(10) days, whether those absences are lawful, unlawful, or a combination of the two. Absences in excess of ten
(10) days will not be considered excused with a parent/guardian note unless accompanied by official medical
documentation or otherwise approved by the principal as a lawful absence.