501.10 - Student Absences-Truancy/Unexcused Absences

Regular attendance by the students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program.  Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence.  Students will attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.

Truancy is defined as being absent without a reasonable excuse or any absence that occurs without notification from the student’s parent/guardian. Schools must be notified on or before the day of the absence in order for the absence not to be classified as truancy.

Verified Unexcused Absence is defined as any absence that is verified by the parent or guardian, but is not listed in the “Excused” category above would be considered a “Verified Unexcused Absence”.  Verified unexcused absences can occur because of personal reasons and may include, but are not limited to:

  1. short notice family trips
  2. birthday parties
  3. non-school related competitions
  4. prom dress shopping
  5. graduations
  6. trips to the airport
  7. car problems
  8.  planned family vacations in excess of 3 missed school days

Penalties & Procedures for Verified Unexcused Absences/Truancy

Truancy or Verified Unexcused Absences –

  • 1st  offense - 30 minute detention to be served within 24 hours
  • 2nd offense – 1 day ISS.
  • Please note our newly fashioned ISS program will be committed to educational and community service purposes.  Half of the day our students will focus on academics, by completing missing or late work. The second half of the day will be community service based, by way of working with our custodial and maintenance staff on the upkeep of our facilities.
  • If a student refuses to accept responsibility for their actions and is not present for the assigned consequence, appropriate administrative action will take place.
  • 5th offense – One day of ISS. Student will remain in ISS until parents meet with Guidance Counselor, Administrator, or Student Support Coordinator. 
  • 10th offenses – Subsequent violations - Please see loss of credit section. 

 

Students receiving special education services will be assigned appropriate consequences so that the goals and objectives of the student’s Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.

 

Approved August 27, 2018          
Reviewed September 12, 2022       
Revised September 26, 2022