TYPES OF ABSENCES

The days absent for elementary and secondary school students shall include non-exempt excused absences, exempted excused absences, unexcused absences, and suspensions. 

Non-exempted excused absences are absences incurred due to personal illness or serious illness in the family (documented by acceptable excuses, including a parental note) which are not considered for purposes of truancy, but which are considered when determining whether or not a student is eligible to make up work and tests, receive credit for work completed, and receive credit for a course and/or school year completed. 

Exempted excused absences are absences which are not considered for purposes of truancy, and which are not considered when determining whether a student is eligible to make up work and tests, receive credit for work completed, and receive credit for a course and/or school year completed.

Unexcused absences are any absences not meeting the requirements set forth in the excused absences and extenuating circumstances definitions, including but not limited to absences due to any job (including agriculture and domestic services, even in the student’s own home or for their own parents or tutors) unless it is a part of an approved instructional program.  Students shall be given failing grades for those days missed and shall not be given an opportunity to make up work.

Suspensions are non-exempt absences for which a student is allowed to make up his/her work and is eligible for consideration for credit provided it is completed satisfactorily and in a timely manner.  The absence shall be considered when determining whether a student may or may not be promoted but shall not be considered for purposes of truancy.  Students absent from school because of any suspension shall be counted as absent.