A plain language version of the school district’s attendance policy follows. A full version is available in the superintendent’s office, the building principals’ offices, and on the District website.

It is each student’s basic responsibility as a member of the school community to be on time and attend all classes. If a student is unable to attend school for any reason, it is the parent or guardian’s responsibility to send in a note stating the date of the absence and reason for it. A doctor’s note may accompany the excuse; however, it doesn’t replace the need for a note from the parent/guardian.

Many parents ask when a child is sick enough to stay home. We suggest you should not send your child to school if s/he has:

• Fever in the past 24 hours
• Vomiting in the past 24 hours
• Diarrhea in the past 24 hours
• Chills
• Sore throat
• Strep Throat (Child must have been taking an antibiotic for at least 24 hours before returning to school.)
• Bad cold with a very runny nose or bad cough, especially if it has kept the child awake at night.
• Head lice—See practice set forth under “Health and Safety Information”

The following reasons for student absences from school are recognized as excused reasons for being absent, tardy or departing early:

1. Personal illness
2. Impassable roads/dangerous weather conditions
3. District not providing transportation to school
4. Religious observance
5. Approved college visit
6. Serious illness or death in the family
7. Medical appointment
8. Approved school-sponsored events
9. Approved cooperative/work study program
10. Driver’s permit test/road test
11. Appropriate participation in a recognized community function or service
12. Disciplinary suspension (unless the student is offered alternative instruction and fails to attend such instruction)
13. Any other absence, tardiness or early departure excused at the discretion of the Building Principal

Any other absence is considered unexcused.

The district will support and encourage a student’s efforts to maintain or improve school attendance. Unexcused absences will be handled according to the provisions set forth in the district’s attendance policy.

Perfect Attendance Awards

Perfect attendance certificates are awarded at the end of the year to students who meet the following criteria:

• In attendance each day that school is in session
• In class prior to the ringing of the late bell (8 a.m.)
• Remain in school until the ringing of the dismissal bell (2:35 p.m.)