Absences/Attendance

Daily attendance is one of the most important components of success in school. Even if assignments are made up at a later date, a child who has been absent or tardy has missed the interaction and instruction that occurs in the classroom. Students should only be absent from school in case of illness, unusual family difficulty, religious observances, or emergencies.

When a family knows a child will be absent it is important to notify the school office and contact the child’s teacher to discuss ways to minimize the effects of missed instruction. Determination of an absence as excused or unexcused will be based upon the criteria stated in School Board Policy JH. A “habitual truant” shall be defined as a student of compulsory attendance age who has four total days of unexcused absences from school in any one month or ten days of unexcused absences during any school year. A plan shall be developed for a student who is declared habitually truant with the goal of assisting the child to remain in school. When possible, the child’s parent, guardian or legal custodian will be expected to participate with district personnel during the development of the plan unless extenuating circumstances prevent their participation. Parents of all students shall be notified in writing at the beginning of the school year of their obligation to ensure that all children of compulsory attendance age attend school. Parents/ guardians shall be required to acknowledge in writing awareness of their obligations and to furnish the school with a telephone number or other means of contacting them during the day.

How sick is too sick? Click HERE for more information about when to stay home.

When your child will not be attending school please follow the steps below: