502 - Student Absences – Excused

Policy Title: Student Absences – Excused Code No.: 502

 

Regular attendance by students is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents/guardians and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence. Students shall attend school unless excused by the principal/designee of their attendance center.

 

Student absences approved by the principal/designee shall be excused absences. Excused absences shall count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law. These absences include, but are not limited to, illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances, college visits, funerals, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day and school-sponsored or approved activities.

 

The district believes that traditional, in-person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students.  However, there may be rare and unusual circumstances created by public emergencies declared by state or local officials which temporarily prevent students from attending traditional, in-person school.  In these circumstances, the superintendent will have discretion to make reasonable accommodations for students, on a case-by-case basis, to attend school through remote learning opportunities within the available resources of the district and as permitted by law.  During approved remote learning, attendance will be taken, assessments may be administered, and grades will count towards students’ cumulative grade point average as if they were attending in person.  The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.    

 

Students whose absences are approved shall make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work. It shall be the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student's teacher to complete the work missed.

 

Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend the last half of the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal/designee for the student to be absent. They must arrive by noon to participate.

 

It shall be the responsibility of the parent/guardian to notify the student's attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day. The principal/designee may request evidence or written verification of the student's reason for absence.

Date of Adoption/Revision:

September 2012

August 2015

September 2020