Please enter all attendance information into Powerschool by 9:00 AM. If a student arrives after the 8:30 bell without an attendance note, please forward them back to the office for a note.
Is the student absent or present?
Iowa’s definition of a student absence is adapted from the U.S. Department of Education and in accordance with the Office for Civil Rights’ guidance, A student is absent if they are not physically on school grounds or are not participating in an expected and school-directed activity under the direction, supervision or instructional guidance of educational staff at an approved off-grounds location for at least half the school day.
Letters are sent to families beginning at 10% of attendance days, 15% and 20%. All letters are copied to the district attorney.
Absences are coded Exempt or Non-Exempt
Decision 1- Absent or Present? Decision 2- Exempt under SF 2435
Absent, parent cites “Family Reasons” Absent No
Absent, parent excused with reason given Absent No
Planned Medical Treatment; Medical Appointment Absent Yes- with a doctor note MEDX
No- without a doctor note ILL
Home ill Absent No (unless sent home by school
Parent or sibling medical emergency Absent No
The following exemptions were added as of fall of 2025
Military applicants undergoing military entrance processing
Who is engaged in military service
Travel to attend a funeral
Travel to attend a wedding
Absences related to courses in religious education for five hours or less per week.