Attendance
District Contacts
Dr. Lacresha Byrd, Director of Instruction
What is a lawful absence?
Illness:
A student who is ill and poses a health threat to others may be excused on a temporary basis. Any student who suffers from a chronic and prolonged illness should provide a statement from a physician upon return to school.
Religion:
A student may be excused to observe a recognized religious holiday, with prior approval of the principal.
School Activity:
A student may be excused for up to five days per year in order to participate in school sponsored activities (sports, band, field trips, etc.). Any absence beyond the fifth day will first require a report from each teacher on the student’s academic standing, classroom attitude and attendance. The principal must also review and approve the absence in advance.
Family Emergency:
A student may be excused, temporarily, in the event of a serious health concern or a death in the family.
Appointments:
A student may be excused for necessary appointments when proper documentation is provided upon return to school. Examples: dentist, physician, court, counselor.
What is considered an unlawful absence?
Truancy:
When a student accumulates absences without acceptable cause with/or without knowledge of his or her parents or guardian.
What happens if my child misses more days than allowed?
Review Process
Before an absence can be approved or disapproved, a student must first provide proper documentation within five days of the absence or return to school. The district will accept only five excuse notes from parents.
Truant:
A student (ages 6-17) who miss three consecutive days without a valid excuse or a total of five unlawful absences is considered truant.
Response:
By law, an “Intervention Plan” must then be developed with the parents. This plan states the reasons for the unlawful absences; actions that must be taken by student and parents to resolve the issue and actions that can be taken by school officials if unlawful absences continue.
*Intervention Plan included