Frequent absences of pupils from regular classroom learning experiences disrupt the continuity of the instructional process. The benefit of regular classroom instruction is lost and cannot be entirely regained, even by extra after-school instruction. Consequently, many pupils who miss school frequently experience great difficulty in achieving the maximum benefit of schooling. Indeed, many pupils in these circumstances are able to achieve only mediocre success in their academic program. The school cannot teach pupils who are not present. The entire process of education requires a regular continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning experiences, and study in order to reach the goal of maximum educational benefits for each individual child. The regular contact of the pupils with one another in the classroom and their participation in well-planned instructional activities under the tutelage of a competent teacher are vital to this purpose. This is the well-established principle of education that underlies and gives purpose to the requirement of compulsory schooling in every state in the nation.

 

Regulations – Absence 

1. Each time a student is absent from school, he/she must present a written excuse signed by the parent or guardian to the attendance clerk within three school days of his/her return. The written excuse should include the following: student’s full name and grade, date of absence, the reason for absence, and parent contact information and signature. This written excuse is required even if a parent or guardian has contacted the school regarding the absence. If the student does not bring the excuse within the three school days immediately following the absence, the absence will be recorded as unlawful/unexcused. 

 

2. It is essential that the reason for absence is clear and well-defined. Lawful excuses are granted for the following reasons: religious holidays, sickness, quarantine, death in the family, impassable roads, educational trips (when requests have been approved), or “exceptional urgent reasons.” Excuses of a doubtful nature will be investigated. Claims of continued or repeated illness justify an administrative request for a doctor’s excuse.

 

3. For periods of three days or more, excused absences may only be granted based on a doctor’s certificate of illness justifying the absence.

 

4. After a student is absent for a total of 10 school days for any reason, he/she will be required to present a doctor’s excuse for every absence because of illness.

 

5. Make-up tests for excused absences will be administered after school or at the teacher’s convenience and discretion.

(See “Making Up Work” in the handbook for further guidelines.)

 

6. Excessive absences will jeopardize a student’s eligibility for summer school. Students with more than 20 days of absence will not be permitted to attend summer school.

 

7. Students who are out because of an illness, injury, or other extenuating circumstances for over 10 school days must request homebound instruction through the Director of Guidance. Homebound will be approved on a case-by-case basis. A doctor’s note should accompany this request. Students receiving homebound instruction may not attend extracurricular activities based on obvious health concerns.

 

8. If you are out of school for 5 consecutive days, you must present the school with a doctor’s note on the sixth day of absence. Even if the student does not return to school, the parent must submit a doctor’s note on the sixth day absent or the days will be marked as unexcused. Otherwise, the absences will be marked as unexcused.