The Guidance Department

A. Truancy Definition (Alabama Administrative Code, 290-3-1-02(7) (C) A parent, guardian, or legal custodian having charge of any child officially enrolled in Alabama public schools (K-12) shall explain in writing the cause of any and every absence of the child no later than three school days following his/ her return to school. The parent’s note will enable the child to make up any work missed or prevent charges from being filed against the parent, guardian or legal custodian when a child is absent. Failure to furnish an ex- planation shall be evidence of the child being truant each day he/she is absent. Seven unexcused absences within a school year constitute a student being truant. Affidavits may be filed with the Juvenile Court with 10 unexcused absences during the academic school year.

B. Excused Absences Any absences not falling into the categories listed below or otherwise excused by the superintendent, principal or the superintendent’s designee will be unexcused: 

1. Personal Illness 

2. Serious illness in the immediate family verified by the principal or District Resource Officer (not to exceed three (3) school days.) 

3. Death in the immediate family (not to exceed three (3) school days) 

4. Absence for the observance of recognized holidays of the child’s own faith 

5. Inclement weather which makes it dangerous to attend school as determined by superintendent or the superintendent’s designee 

6. Court-required appearances 

7. Suspensions 8. Prior approval of a non-illness absence must be obtained from the Chief of Student Services. The request must be made from the parent or legal guardian. 

The Prior Approval Absence Form must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the requested absence. The form must be hand-delivered to the address listed on the form or mailed via U.S. Postal Service. A response will be sent within one week to the parent, school and designated DRO. A copy of the parent's valid ID must be submitted whether the form is hand-delivered or mailed

C. Unexcused Absences Any absence not listed above in the Excused Absence section or otherwise excused by the superintendent, principal, or the superintendent’s designee will be considered unexcused. Examples of unexcused absences include, but are not limited to those included in Board Policy issued on 2/19/2019, Section 6.1.5 

1. Missing the school bus 

2. Transportation Issues 

3. Birthdays or other celebrations not religiously observed

4. Any absence for which a written excuse was not provided within three (3) school days from return of absence

D. Check-Outs Students who leave school for any reason must check out through the school office following their school’s checkout procedure. All persons, whom the parent/legal guardian has specified as having permission to check out the student, must be entered into the parent portal in PowerSchool. In cases of sudden illness, accident, or similar incidents where telephone confirmation may be the only alternative, the principal will make the decision on the checkout. All students must have parental permission to check out. In addition, all students and parents must follow the guidelines mentioned above. Please note valid picture identification is required for all checkouts. No student may check themselves out without following the same guidelines. Valid picture identification is required for all checkouts. Students must attend a minimum of one-half of the instructional day to be counted present and to participate in extracurricular activities. An early dismissal before one-half of the school day (three and one-half hours) or a check-in after one-half of the school day is counted as an absence. Check-ins, check-outs, and tardies for more than 50% of the class period will be considered an absence from the class period missed and will be treated as any other absence. In order to be excused, a written explanation for the time missed must be submitted and will follow the same guidelines for excused or unexcused absences as outlined in the Student Conduct Manual. 

H. Check-Ins Students are required to report to school no later than the official beginning of the school day and to be on time for all classes during the day. Each school will devise procedures that will ensure compliance with this regulation. Only an individual whose name appears in the contact portal of PowerSchool can check-in the students unless the school verifies permission with the parent/guardian. Check-ins are excused for the same reasons as absences. Check-ins for any other reason are unexcused and may result in disciplinary action. No make-up work is allowed for unexcused check-ins. Students who are 18 years of age may not check themselves in without following the same guidelines. Valid picture identification is required.

⚠️RIDESHARE POLICY: ⚠️Schools have an obligation to ensure student safety. Rideshare vehicles (Uber, Lyft, etc.) are prohibited from the arrival and dismissal of students. MPS is not liable for negligence claims for any students, although permitted by parents, who decides to forgo this policy.