501.10 - Truancy - Unexcused Absences
501.10 - Truancy - Unexcused AbsencesRegular 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 shall attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.
Truancy is the failure to attend school for the minimum number of days established in the school district calendar by the board. Truancy is the act of being absent without a reasonable excuse. These absences shall include, but not be limited to: tardiness, shopping, hunting, concerts, preparation or participation in parties and other celebrations, and employment. Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.
Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including suspension and expulsion. It shall be within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy. Students receiving special education services will not be assigned to in-school suspension unless the goals and objectives of the student's Individualized Education Program are capable of being met.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy. The administrative regulations shall indicate the disciplinary action to be taken for truancy.
Approved: 11-11-91
Reviewed: 12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised: 7-1-92, 4-10-23
501.10R1 - Truancy - Unexcused Absence Regulation
501.10R1 - Truancy - Unexcused Absence RegulationDaily, punctual attendance is an integral part of the learning experience and is required of all students to receive the maximum benefit of the educational program. The habit of good attendance established early is one which helps a person be successful throughout his or her lifetime. More and more, employers, colleges and vocational schools expect good attendance and are checking student attendance records. They are aware that good and prompt attendance indicates dependability in a student.
The education that goes on in the classroom builds from day to day and as a result, absences always cause some disruption in the educational progress of the absent student. Students who are absent may not understand what the teacher is currently presenting and may also become discouraged with the double burden of keeping current and making up missed work. In order to maintain interest and understanding in the instructional program, students should not expect to be absent any more than is absolutely necessary. Irregular attendance or tardiness by students not only limits their own studies, but also interferes with the progress of those students who are regular and prompt in attendance. Attendance is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation and communication among students, parents, and the school district.
Students who are absent without a reasonable excuse, as determined by the principal, will be assigned an appropriate sanction. Reasonable excuses include illness, family emergencies, recognized religious observances and school sponsored or approved activities. Reasonable excuses may also include family trips or vacations as determined by the principal.
A student who is unexcused for less than a whole school day or is unexcused for a whole day of classes will be assigned an appropriate sanction. Parents are expected to contact the school office to report a student's absence prior to 8:00 a.m. on the day of the absence. Students with unexcused absences may also be referred to the at-risk coordinator, counselor or other resources.
Approved: 11-11-91
Reviewed: 12-12-94, 12-08-97, 01-08-01, 11-10-03, 11-13-06, 02-10-10, 11-12-12, 7-13-15
Revised: 7-1-92, 4-10-23