Prompt and daily school attendance is vital to any student’s success. Compulsory school attendance laws recognize this. It is the school’s responsibility to enforce these laws. Therefore, the following procedures will be observed.
Parents are asked to call the office by 9:00 a.m. on the morning their son/daughter is absent providing the name and grade of the student, as well as the reason for the absence. When it is not possible to call, upon their return to school, students should present to the office a note containing the following:
- date note was written
- pupil’s full name and grade
- date/dates of absence
- reason for absence
- signature of parent or guardian
A doctor’s note may be required if absence exceeds five days.
Absences that have not been excused within three days following the student’s return to school will be considered unexcused. Students with unexcused absences may not receive credit for work that was missed.
Each student’s attendance will be watched closely throughout the school year. Parents/guardians will receive a notice if a student’s absences become excessive and are not the result of illnesses verified by a medical doctor. A conference between the parents and principal may be requested to discuss plans to meet the student’s attendance needs. Should the problem continue, we would seek help from the Truant Officer and/or the Probate Court within Ingham County.
Michigan’s Compulsory school law recognizes only two valid excuses for non-attendance: physical impairment (including illness) and unadjustable children (as defined by a psychiatrist). We recognize that there are other reasonable excuses for non-attendance including accidental injuries, illnesses or death in the immediate family and other situations that are emergencies.
It is important that students complete all work assigned. Parents are asked to wait until a student is absent two days before requesting homework. If it is evident that an illness will be long-term, parents should call and ask that assignments be collected.
Students needing to leave school during the school day must check out with the office. Permission will be granted providing a parent or guardian has requested the student be allowed to leave. Failure to obtain permission before leaving school will result in an automatic unexcused absence. Repeat offenses will result in more serious consequences including detention or in-house suspension.
Parents requesting that their child accompany them on trips during the school year should provide our office with a signed written request in advance of the planned departure. The request must then be signed by each of the child’s teachers. Teachers are not required to sign the request if they feel the absence will adversely affect the student’s academic progress. Such a refusal to sign will not prevent the student from accompanying his/her parents.