Policy - The Board, through the school administration, reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each absence of more than three days duration or repeated unexplained absences or tardiness. For mutual guidance of parents, pupils, and school officials, the following reasons are acceptable for excused absence or tardiness:

1. Illness of student;
2. Illness, death, or other serious problem in the family;
3. School-related trip or activity (approved in advance by school officials);
4. Religious holiday (approved religious holidays shall be those listed annually by the Commissioner of Education);
5. A reasonable number of routine medical or dental appointments.

No other reasons for student absences are deemed to be appropriate by the Board of Education. Where extreme extenuating circumstances create the necessity for a student's absence due to any other reason, a written request must be submitted at least one week in advance to the school principal. Unexcused absences are not condoned by the Board of Education. All work or tests missed because of such absences become the student's responsibility.

Attendance Criteria - The Board of Education has established the following criteria for determining whether a student is present or absent:

1. A student must be in attendance for at least four (4) hours to be counted as present for the entire day.
2. A student must be in attendance for at least two (2) hours to be considered to have attended school for a half day.
3. A student will be considered absent from school if they are present for less than two (2) hours.

Written Notification to Parents - Parents will be notified when a student's absences become excessive.

1.When a student has been absent 11 days in any one school year, the principal/assistant principal will notify the student's parent in writing of the number and dates of the absences and possible adverse academic consequences. A copy of the notice will be sent to the District Attendance Officer.

2.When a pupil has been absent 20 days in any one school year, the principal/assistant principal will send a written notice to the student's parent warning of possible adverse academic consequences and requiring a conference with the parent(s), student, principal, and guidance counselor. A copy of the notice will be sent to the District Attendance Officer.

3. When a student has been absent 36 or more days in any one school year, the principal will notify the student's parent in writing that the pupil will be retained at his/her grade level. A copy of the notice will be sent to the District Attendance Officer.