Summary of Changes to Attendance-Related Policies

Excused Absence: an absence, all or partial day, that is verified (called in) by a parent/guardian with a valid cause on the day of the absence. A student’s first 7 absences verified by a parent/guardian for a class period (per semester) are excused.

Unexcused Absence: All truancies and the 8th and subsequent verified absences for a class period within a semester are unexcused unless a parent/guardian provides one of the following exemptions to the Attendance Office within five school days of the absence:

• Illness, including the mental or behavioral health of the student. Documentation is required.
• College campus visit. Documentation is required. 
• Death in the immediate family.
• Observance of a religious holiday.
• Any other exemptions to compulsory attendance as outlined in the School Code.

School and Period Truancy: An absence, all or partial day, in which the student does not have permission to be absent from school or miss a period, or if a student leaves school without permission. 

• Truancy may result in school discipline.
• The absence is considered unexcused and subject to the makeup work policy. 
• A student is considered truant to class when arriving five or more minutes after the beginning of the period. The current late-to-school policy for periods 0 and 1 will remain for now.

Off-Campus Pass:

• Off-campus passes count towards the student’s 7 excused absences in a period per semester.

Makeup Work:

• Students who are absent with an excused absence are allowed to make up work, quizzes and tests from the absence for full credit. 
• Students with an unexcused absence are allowed to make up work, quizzes and tests from the absence for partial credit. The grade for makeup work, quizzes and tests from an unexcused absence will be entered into the gradebook at 75% of the earned score.
• Two school days for each day of absence are allowed for the completion of makeup work, quizzes and tests, but shall not exceed a total of six school days.