Student Attendance Policy

Student Attendance Policy

School & Academic Period

School Name:    Academic Year:

Student Information

Parent / Guardian Information

Emergency & Health

Policy: Expectations & Definitions

Regular and punctual attendance is a fundamental obligation of the student and parent or guardian. A student is considered present when attending scheduled classes or participating in school-approved activities. Absences are recorded as either excused or unexcused according to the definitions below.

Excused and Unexcused Absences

Excused absences include: personal illness, medical or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled outside school hours, death in the immediate family, religious observances, and other reasons approved in advance by school administration. Unexcused absences include truancy, suspension without approved assignment completion, family vacations not pre-approved, and any absence without timely verification.

The school requires notification of an absence within hours of the first day of absence and supporting documentation within school days for medical or other excused reasons.

Tardiness and Early Dismissal

Students are expected to be in class at the scheduled start time. Tardiness will be recorded and may result in disciplinary or academic consequences after tardies per term. Early dismissal requires signing out through the main office and documentation. Repeated late arrivals or early departures will trigger administrative review.

Documentation & Verification

The school may require physician verification for illness-related absences extending beyond three consecutive days or when absence patterns indicate chronic absenteeism. Forged or falsified documentation is subject to disciplinary action and may be referred for further action under applicable laws or district policy.

Make-up Work & Academic Consequences

Students with excused absences are entitled to reasonable opportunities to make up missed assignments and assessments. Teachers will provide make-up work timelines consistent with the length and nature of the absence. Excessive unexcused absences may result in loss of credit for a course, denial of promotions, or withholding of privileges such as participation in extracurricular activities.

Chronic Absenteeism & Interventions

A student demonstrating chronic absenteeism (frequent absences or patterns of absence) will be referred to the attendance review team. Interventions may include parent conference, individualized attendance plan, referral to counseling, or, where required by law or regulation, referral to appropriate agencies. The school reserves the right to require a formal attendance improvement plan when absences exceed days in a term.

Appeals & Special Circumstances

Families may appeal attendance-related decisions in writing to the designated school official within school days of notification. Appeals must provide supporting evidence. The school will review appeals promptly and issue a written decision. Special circumstances (long-term medical conditions, court orders, foster care placement) will be considered with appropriate documentation.

Recordkeeping & Privacy

Attendance records are official educational records. The school will maintain attendance documentation in accordance with applicable record retention policies. Information related to health and absences will be handled with confidentiality and disclosed only to school personnel with a legitimate educational interest or as required by law.

Parent / Student Responsibilities

Parent or guardian must ensure timely arrival at school, provide required absence notifications and documentation, and cooperate with school interventions. Students are responsible for informing teachers of approved absences and completing make-up work according to teacher direction.

Acknowledgment

By signing below, I acknowledge that I have received, read, and understand the Student Attendance Policy of this school. I understand the definitions of excused and unexcused absences, the documentation requirements, the procedures for appeals, and potential academic or disciplinary consequences for noncompliance. I certify that the information provided on this form is true and complete to the best of my knowledge.

Acknowledgment of Policy

Consent to attendance notifications (phone, text, email)

Optional: Additional Notes

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