Absence Policy: Definitions, Procedures, and Consequences

ABSENCE				If a student is not present in a classroom for more than 10 minutes they are considered as Absent. According to the law, if a student has an excessive number of absences, a significant number of unexplained or unexcused absences, and/or irregular attendance, the school must report the student to the LBL ESD Attendance Officer for further action.
	School Related				The student is absent because of a field trip, athletic event, or some other school sponsored event or activity. A prearranged absence may be required for the student to participate. This absence will always be excused. While these absences are recorded on progress reports and report cards they are not recorded on transcripts.
	Non-School Related				The student is absent because of a reason that is not school related. Upon returning to school from this type of absence, all students must provide a note with an explanation for their non-school related absence. The absence will then be considered as either excused or unexcused. If a note is not provided, the absence may be considered a truancy and subject to disciplinary action. Because of the nature of many activities, there are some kinds of assignments that may not be possible to be made up. Attendance is crucial to success in the classroom.
	Explained Absence				The student returns to school with a note stating the date, duration and a specific reason for the absence. Notes are to be turned in to the office no later than 3 school days after returning to school. The note needs to be signed by a parent, guardian or the student (if the student is 18 years or older). Failing to do this, the absence may be considered a truancy and subject to disciplinary action. If already in attendance and marked absent, the student will be excused with a note from a teacher, counselor, or office.
		Excused Absence				To be legally excused, the absence’s reason should meet one of the following 8 state-defined criteria: 1. Illness of student (Student is contagious or too ill to benefit from school attendance). 2. Illness of an immediate family member and the student's presence at home is necessary. 3. Emergency situations that require the student's absence. 4. Field trips and school approved activities. 5. Medical, Professional, Legal, or Court appointments. Confirmation of appointments may be required. 6. Other reasons deemed appropriate by the school administrator when satisfactory arrangements have been made in advance of the absence. 7. Student returns to class from a meeting with another teacher, counselor, or office. 8. Ultimately, as allowed by state law, the final decision as to whether an absence will be excused or not will be determined by the school administration. An excused absence from class may require make-up work to be done as set by the teacher’s class rules. The student must request homework assignments the day they return. Neglecting to do so may forfeit the opportunity to receive credit for the missing work. The same number of days as the student was absent will be allowed to complete and turn in the missed work (i.e. 2 days missed, there will be an allowance of 2 days after returning to school to turn in the missed assignments).
		Unexcused Absence				The student is not in school for any reason other than the state-defined criteria listed above and the parent or guardian knows of the absence. However, the reason for the absence is not one that would grant the student an excused absence (ex. haircuts, shopping, extended lunch, recreation). An unexcused absence will still allow a student to make-up any assignments that are missed. All missed assignments are due upon return to class and are graded. However, according to the individual teacher's classroom rules, credit for the assignment may be reduced and/or make-up time may be required.
	Unexplained Absence				A student who is absent from class without permission or a proper excuse is considered truant and subject to disciplinary action. Parents may not change truancies for students who had arrived at school and were not in their assigned classes. No credit will be given for work missed during any truancy.