Whenever a child is absent from school, the school must receive an explanation from the parent/guardian. Parents my send notes or e-mails, or they may call the school office. The explanation must include the child's name, the date(s) of the absence, the reason for the absence, and the teacher's name. Notes should be signed and dated by the parent/guardian. For doctor or dentist appointments, please provide a note signed and dated by your physician or dentist. The school attendance clerk will call home if a phone call, note, or e-mail has not been received from absent students.
All absences must be cleared by a parent/guardian within 5 business days; after that time, the absence becomes a truancy. Attendance letters will be sent by the office. Letters are sent for the equivalent of 5 days unexcused absences (1st truancy letter), 10 days unexcused absences (2nd truancy letter), and 15 days unexcused absences (3rd truancy letter). The 3rd letter results in the student being identified as "habitual truant".
A letter will be mailed from the office after 5 days of excused absences. After 10 absences, a second letter requiring verification of illness (doctor's note) will be mailed. Without verification, absences exceeding 10 days will considered unexcused.