Attending school each day and being on time to school are extremely important to a student’s academic development and achievement. Every day a student is in school is an opportunity to learn, build relationships, and access needed support. Too many absences can cause children to fall behind and make it harder to learn to read. Students are expected to attend school at least 95% of the time. During a 180-day school year, that means students should miss no more than nine days. Each parent/legal guardian is responsible for regular and punctual attendance of any child in their
charge within the compulsory age for school attendance. Emancipated students are responsible for their own regular and punctual attendance. Parents/legal guardians and emancipated students are expected to work cooperatively with school personnel to correct attendance issues.

What are the procedures if a student is absent? The parent/guardian is requested to notify the school of the student’s absence on the day of the absence. If the parent/guardian fails to do this, a reasonable effort will be made by the school to verify the absence. When an absence occurs, the parent/guardian is requested to provide the school written or oral verification explaining the reason for the absence within two days of the student’s return to school. Written verification should be signed by the parent/guardian and be accompanied by documentation from a physician when possible.