STUDENT ABSENCES - EXCUSED
Regular attendance by students 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.
Excused absences will count as days in attendance for purposes of the truancy law. These absences include, but are not limited to, illness or injury, funerals, medical appointments, required court services or other reasons as excused by the principal.
The district believes that traditional ,in -person school attendance leads to the greatest learning opportunities for students. However, there may be rare and unusual circumstances created by public emergencies declared by state or local officials which temporarily prevent students from attending traditional, in-person school. In these circumstances, the superintendent will have discretion to make reasonable accommodations for students, on a case-by-case basis, to attend school through remote learning opportunities within the the available resources of the district and as permitted by law. During approved remote learning, attendance is taken, assessments may be administered, and grades will count towards students' cumulative grade point average as if they were attending in person. The provision of special education and accommodations for students who have individualized education plan (IEP) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.
Students whose absences are approved will make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work. It is the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student's teacher to complete the work missed.
Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school at least one-half day the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.
It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the student's attendance center as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day. The principal may request evidence or written verification of the student's reason for absence.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference:
Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).
Cross Reference:
501 Student Attendance
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
506 Student Records
Adopted: Unknown
Revised/Reviewed: 4.20.2020
Revised: 01.16.2023
