Students are allowed nine excused absences with a parent note before stricter documentation is required.
Students are generally permitted nine excused absences per school year with basic parental notification. Starting with the tenth absence, documentation from a medical professional or legal entity is required to excuse the missed time. Missing ten percent or more of the total school year is classified as chronic absenteeism under official guidelines.
Guidelines for Excused Absences
- Absences 1 through 9: These are excused when a parent or guardian provides a written note or speaks with school officials within ten days of the student returning to class.
- Absence 10 and beyond: For the tenth absence and any thereafter, the school only accepts specific reasons such as student illness, religious holidays, or a death in the family.
- Required Proof: For these later absences, a licensed medical professional must verify illnesses, or formal documentation must be provided for court appearances and emergencies.
Truancy and Chronic Absenteeism
Distinguishing between truancy and chronic absenteeism is essential for maintaining a student's academic standing. Attendance is monitored closely to ensure students receive consistent instruction throughout the year.
- Truant: A student who has four unexcused absences in one month or ten unexcused absences in a single school year.
- Chronically Absent: A student who misses ten percent or more of the total days they are enrolled, regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused.
Absence Documentation and Thresholds
| Absence Level | Total Days | Required Documentation |
|---|---|---|
| Level One | 1-9 Days | Parental note or phone call |
| Level Two | 10+ Days | Medical or legal certification |
| Chronic Threshold | 18+ Days | Official attendance review |
Consequences of Excessive Absences
- Parent Meetings: Schools typically schedule a meeting with guardians to discuss the causes of frequent missed days and identify barriers to attendance.
- Academic Support: Educational teams may implement a student success plan to help the child catch up on missed curriculum and improve engagement.
- Community Referrals: If attendance does not improve, schools may refer the family to support services or mandated intervention programs to avoid further disciplinary action.