No. 204 SECTION: PUPILS BELLEFONTE AREA SCHOOL DISTRICT TITLE: ATTENDANCE ADOPTED: August 7, 2007 REVISED: August 4, 2009 204. ATTENDANCE 1. Purpose SC 1301, 1326, 1327 Sec. 11.12, 11.13, 11.41, 12.1 Pol. 200 2. Authority SC 1327, 1329, 1330 Sec. 11.23, 11.25, 12.1 Sec. 11.25 Experience and research provide evidence that regular school attendance and sound academic achievement are related. The importance of time on task in reaching the district's educational goals can hardly be overestimated. The Board requires that all students enrolled in the district schools attend school regularly in accordance with the laws of the state. The educational program offered by this district is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation in order for students to achieve academic standards and consistent educational progress. The regular contact of students with one another in the classroom and participation in a well-planned instructional activity under the tutelage of a competent teacher are vital to this purpose. Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in schools during the days and hours that the school is in session, except that a principal or teacher may excuse a student for temporary absences when s/he receives satisfactory evidence of such mental, physical, or other urgent conditions which may reasonably cause the student's absence. The Board considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for absence from school: 1. Illness. 2. Quarantine. 3. Recovery from an accident. 4. Death in the family. 5. Impassable roads and/or natural disasters. 6. Family emergencies. Page 1 of 11
204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 2 7. Other reasonable causes as permitted by Board policy, or as determined to be exceptional based on the facts/circumstances. Absences shall be treated as unlawful until the district receives a written excuse explaining the absence, to be submitted within three (3) days of the absence. A maximum of ten (10) days of cumulative lawful absences verified by parental notification may be permitted during a school year. All absences beyond ten (10) cumulative days shall require an excuse from a licensed physician. SC 1329 Sec. 11.41 Sec. 11.23, 11.25 The Board shall permit a student to be excused for participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA or combined 4-H and FFA group upon written request prior to the event. The Board will recognize other justifiable absences for part of the school day. These shall include medical or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day, court appearances, family emergencies, and other urgent reasons. The Board shall excuse the following students from the requirements of attendance at the schools of this district: SC 1329, 1330 Sec. 11.34 SC 1327 Sec. 11.5, 11.32 SC 1327 SC 1330 SC 1330 Sec. 11.28 1. On certification by a physician or submission of other satisfactory evidence and on approval of the Department of Education, children who are unable to attend school or apply themselves to study for mental, physical or other reasons that preclude regular attendance. 2. Students enrolled in nonpublic or private schools in which the subjects and activities prescribed by law are taught, except that such students and students attending college who are also enrolled part-time in the district schools shall be counted as being in part-time attendance in this district. 3. Students fifteen (15) or sixteen (16) years of age whose enrollment in private trade or business schools has been approved. 4. Students fifteen (15) years of age, and fourteen (14) years of age who have completed sixth grade, who are engaged in farm work or private domestic service under duly issued permits. 5. Students sixteen (16) years of age regularly employed during the school session and holding a lawfully issued employment certificate. Page 2 of 11
204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 3 The Board may excuse the following students from the requirements of attendance at district schools: SC 1327 Sec. 11.22 Pol. 116 Sec. 11.34 SC 1327 SC 1318 Pol. 218, 233 3. Guidelines Pol. 200, 201 SC 1327 Pol. 201 Pol. 239 1. Students receiving tutorial instruction in a field not offered in the district's curricula from a properly qualified tutor approved by the Superintendent, when the excusal does not interfere with the student's regular program of studies. 2. Homebound children unable to attend school on the recommendation of the school physician and the school psychologist or a psychiatrist and approval of the Secretary of Education. 3. Students enrolled in special schools conducted by the Intermediate Unit or the Department of Education. It shall be the policy of the Board to consider the effectiveness and appropriateness of the educational program that is offered each student who habitually and repeatedly absents him/herself from such programs. If sincere efforts by the staff and parents/guardians cannot rectify the pattern of absence, the Superintendent has the authority to suspend a student from a particular class or from a school into an alternative program in accordance with Board policies. The Superintendent is authorized to establish the criteria to implement this policy. Resident children shall be entitled to attend the district's public schools from the earliest admission age to the district's pre-elementary school program until the age of twenty-one (21) years. School attendance is compulsory from the time the child enters the lowest grade of an elementary school above kindergarten, which shall be no later than at the age of eight (8) years, until the age of seventeen (17), or graduation from a regularly accredited senior high school. No student shall be admitted to the district's schools who has attained a high school diploma or its equivalent, unless such student is part of a foreign exchange program. Early Dismissal Precautions No student is allowed to leave school early except at his/her parents /guardians request. Either a request must be received from the parent/guardian in writing, or the parent/guardian must appear at the school office requesting that the child be dismissed in his/her care. Page 3 of 11
204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 4 Requests by telephone must be verified by the building principal or designee. All requests for early dismissal must be for proper and legitimate reasons. Children Of Separated/Divorced Parents In the event that a separated/divorced parent having custody of a child desires that the child not be released in the care of the other parent, the school will comply with his/her wishes, provided s/he files with the school a copy of the court order authorizing his/her custody. Religious Excusal Sec. 11.21 SC 1546 Sec. 11.21 All absences occasioned by the observance of religious holidays, as designated by the Department of Education, of the student's religion shall be excused. No student so excused shall be deprived of an award or eligibility to compete for an award or the opportunity to make up a test given on the religious holiday. The Board shall, upon written request of the parents/guardians, release from attendance a student participating in a religious instructional program. Such instruction shall not require the child's absence from school for more than a total of thirty-six (36) hours per school year, and its organizers must inform the school of the child's attendance record. The school shall not provide transportation to religious instruction. Educational/Vacation Tours And Trips, Grades K-12 Sec. 11.26 Sec. 11.26 In accordance with basic Board policy, it is necessary that family trips for educational purposes be considered within the context of school purpose and the law. Upon receipt of a written request from the parents/guardians of the students involved, students may be excused from school attendance to participate in an educational tour or trip in accordance with state regulations. Such travel shall be at the expense of the parent/guardian and shall be subject to direction and supervision by a parent, grandparent, or legal guardian. Approval of these trips shall be requested, in writing, on forms provided by the district. Requests must be submitted three (3) weeks before the date of departure and should be completed in detail. Forms shall not be accepted after the trip. Page 4 of 11
204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 5 Submission of the form does not constitute approval. These requests will be evaluated on the following criteria: 1. Length of trip number of school days the student will miss. 2. Only five (5) days per year shall be considered. Trips will not be approved during the PSSA, mid-term exam and final exam testing windows. No educational trips for students at any grade level will be approved during the PSSA testing window. In extreme circumstances, the Superintendent may approve an educational trip for a period longer than five (5) days. The formal request will indicate the justification for the educational trip and an explanation as to why the trip cannot be taken during a school vacation or the summer break. 3. The number of absences accumulated prior to the scheduled trip. 4. The purpose, itinerary, and supportive educational aspects must be clearly explained for justifying such an experience beyond the classroom. 5. Approval will be contingent upon the student's academic progress, attendance record, discipline record, and on the student's responsibility for keeping up with assignments during the trip. The building principal shall review each request for compliance with the stated conditions. If approval is granted before the trip is taken, the student's absence will be excused. If prior approval is not received, the absence will be classified as an unlawful and/or unexcused absence. Should the student's absence extend beyond the approved time, such days will be classified as unlawful and/or unexcused. If approval is denied, the absence will be classified as an unlawful and/or unexcused absence unless a doctor's excuse is provided. All students are responsible for making up school work and tests missed during an approved trip. At the secondary level, this shall be at the initiation of the student and reasonable convenience of the teacher(s). Work that is not made up shall count as a failure. All work assigned prior to the trip must be returned the first day back or this will count as a failure. Unapproved trips shall be treated as unexcused absences. As such, no work missed may be made up. Page 5 of 11
204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 6 Part-Time Employment 43 P.S. Sec. 41 et seq Sec. 11.28 Students fourteen (14) to seventeen (17) years of age who are employed during vacation periods or part-time jobs during the school year must obtain an employment certificate. If the part-time employment interferes with school attendance and achievement, the certificate may be revoked. Employment Certificates 43 P.S. Sec. 52, 68 The administration is directed to establish procedures for the proper issuance of general employment certificates and vacation employment certificates to students who are residents of the school district. Conditions Of Absence SC 1333, 1354 Sec. 12.1 SC 1333, 1354 The administration may report to appropriate authorities infractions of the law regarding the attendance of students. The administration shall issue notice to those parents/guardians who fail to comply with the statutory requirements of compulsory attendance that such infractions will be prosecuted according to law. Any parent/guardian of a student who fails to comply with compulsory attendance requirements shall be reported to the District Justice and fines could be imposed. Absences due to the following four (4) conditions shall be considered noncumulative: 1. Death in the immediate family. 2. Subpoenaed court appearance. 3. Verified acute or chronic medical condition as documented by the parent/guardian and physician, and medical or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled at a time other than during school hours. A physician's note related to a chronic condition must state that the severity of the condition will prohibit the student from attending school as specified by the physician. 4. Preapproved absences from school such as excused educational tours and trips, approved college visitation day, and excused religious observance or instruction. When a student accumulates seven (7) days of absence not attributable to the aforementioned conditions or is absent for five (5) consecutive days, a referral to the Attendance Officer shall be made. Irregular attendance may also be referred to the District Justice. When a student accumulates seven (7) absences not attributable to Page 6 of 11
204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 7 the aforementioned conditions, the principal or designee shall send a letter to the student/parent/guardian. The purpose of the letter shall be to review the student's absences and to state clearly to the student and parent/guardian the consequences of ten (10) absences. (A medical note is required for any additional absences beyond ten (10).) Absences of four (4) or more consecutive days require a doctor's note or a medical excuse upon return unless the student s principal has been contacted and has decided that a medical excuse is not necessary. Tardiness Pol. 218, 233 Tardiness includes being late for school, homeroom, class and study hall. Students who are tardy for class and study hall may be assigned detention by their teacher. Unexcused tardiness may result in disciplinary action, including suspension from school and/or referral to the District Justice. Once fifteen (15) tardies to homeroom/school accumulate, a referral will be made to the District Justice, resulting in a possible fine or other consequences as determined by the District Justice. Once a student has been referred to the District Justice for fifteen (15) tardies to homeroom/school, s/he will again be referred to the District Justice for every five (5) tardies to homeroom/school thereafter during the same school year. At the start of a new school year for a student who has been previously filed with the District Justice, a student will be given ten (10) tardies to homeroom/school prior to being filed again with the District Justice. After the ten (10) tardies, the student will be filed for every five (5) tardies to homeroom/school thereafter. Accurate records of tardiness shall be maintained for parent/guardian conferences and related disciplinary actions. Requirements For A Written Parental Explanation For A Student's Legal Absence Parents/Guardians are required to submit a written explanation for the legal absence of their child within three (3) days from the date of the child's return to school. Failure to provide such written explanation or failure of the child to present the excuse to the principal and/or designee will result in the absence being declared unexcused and/or unlawful, as provided in law. Page 7 of 11
204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 8 The mere fact that a parent/guardian provides a written explanation does not qualify the absence as excused. The absence must be for a legal reason as determined by law. Students who are absent from class as a result of unexcused tardiness, class-cutting or truancy shall forfeit their make-up privileges and receive a zero (0) for any work due or conducted or any evaluative measures administered during those class periods for which the student was not in attendance. When it is known that a parent(s)/guardian(s) cannot read or write, the building principal or teacher may accept a verbal excuse. However, the verbal excuse shall be documented in writing as to the date of the absence, the reason, and the name of the parent/guardian contacted. This documented note is to be signed by the person from the school who contacted the parent/guardian. In those cases where a child has an excessive number of absences verified only by a verbal communication, a home visit shall be made by the Attendance Officer and/or the home-school visitor to secure the mark of the parent/guardian on a written excuse provided by the school. If the dominant language in a student's home is not English and the parent(s)/guardian(s) are able to read and write in another language, they shall be required to submit a written explanation in that language. Excused Absences MONITORING STUDENT ATTENDANCE For students with twenty (20) or more days of absence from the previous year, excluding long-term illness, accidents, etc.: 1. Before the school year begins, a letter will be sent to the parent/guardian by the building principal. 2. For every absence, the parent/guardian will be contacted at home or work by the Attendance Officer or the Attendance Clerk of the child s school. 3. After three (3) accumulated days in any quarter: a. Contact by school nurse. b. Letter by principal: Future referral. Page 8 of 11
204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 9 4. After the 4 th accumulated day or on the 3 rd consecutive day, there may be a home visit by the Attendance Officer and possibly by the school nurse. 5. After ten (10) accumulated days: a. Letter to parent/guardian. Doctor's excuse for future absences may be required. b. May be referred to CST/IST/SAT. c. Parental conference will be requested. Excused Absence For All Students 1. For every absence, the parents/guardians will be contacted at home or work by the Attendance Officer or the Attendance Clerk. 2. After seven (7) total days absence (dependent on nature of absence), a letter will be sent to the home. 3. After seven (7) total days or five (5) consecutive days and no parental contact, a home visit may be made by the Attendance Officer and possibly by the school nurse. 4. After ten (10) total days: a. Letter to parent/guardian. Doctor's excuse for future absences may be required. b. May be referred to CST/IST/SAT, parental contact. Unexcused Absences 1. After each of the first three (3) unexcused days: a. Contact by Attendance Officer or the Attendance Clerk. b. First, Second and Third offense letter sent. Upon the third unlawful absence, a Truancy Elimination Plan will be developed cooperatively with all involved stakeholders through a school family conference. Page 9 of 11
204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 10 2. On the 4 th unexcused day: a. Contact by the Attendance Officer or the Attendance Clerk. b. First arrest notice sent by certified mail. c. The matter is referred to the District Justice. 3. On the 5 th unexcused day: a. Contact by the Attendance Officer or the Attendance Clerk. b. Second arrest notice sent by certified mail. c. The matter is referred to the District Justice. 4. On the 6 th unexcused day: a. Contact by the Attendance Officer or the Attendance Clerk. b. Third arrest notice sent by certified mail. c. The matter is referred to the District Justice. Appeal Process Students who have exceeded the maximum absences and believe that there are special circumstances surrounding the absences can appeal to the Attendance Committee. Appeal forms are available in the main office and the guidance office of each building. 4. Delegation of Responsibility SC 1501, 1504 Sec. 4.4, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3 SC 1332, 1339 The Superintendent or designee shall develop procedures for the attendance of students which: 1. Ensure a school session that conforms with requirements of state regulations. 2. Govern the keeping of attendance records in accordance with state statutes. Page 10 of 11
204. ATTENDANCE - Pg. 11 Sec. 11.41 SC 1333, 1338, 1354 Pol. 218, 233 3. Distribute annually to staff, students, and parents/guardians Board policies and school rules and regulations governing student attendance, absences and excusals. 4. Impose on truant students appropriate incremental disciplinary measures for infractions of school rules, but no penalty may have an irredeemably negative effect on the student's record beyond that which naturally follows absence from classroom learning experiences. 5. Identify the habitual truant, investigate the causes of truant behavior, and consider modification of the student's educational program to meet particular needs. 6. Ensure that students legally absent have an opportunity to make up work. SC 1333, 1354 SC 1318 Pol. 218, 233 7. Issue written notice to any parent/guardian who fails to comply with the compulsory attendance statute, within three (3) days of any proceeding brought under that statute. Such notice shall inform the parent/guardian of the date(s) the absence occurred, that the absence was unexcused and in violation of law, that the parent/guardian is being notified and informed of his/her liability under law for the absence of the student, and that further violation during the school term will be prosecuted without notice. Repeated infractions of Board policy requiring the attendance of enrolled students may constitute misconduct and disobedience to warrant the student's suspension or expulsion from the regular school program. References: School Code 24 P.S. Sec. 510, 1301, 1318, 1326, 1327, 1327.1, 1329, 1330, 1332, 1333, 1338, 1339, 1354, 1501, 1504, 1546 State Board of Education Regulations 22 PA Code Sec. 4.4, 11.1, 11.2, 11.3, 11.5, 11.8, 11.11, 11.12, 11.13, 11.21, 11.22, 11.23, 11.24, 11.25, 11.26, 11.28, 11.32, 11.34, 11.41, 12.1 Employment of Minors 43 P.S. Sec. 41 et seq. Board Policy 115, 116, 117, 118, 137, 200, 201, 218, 233, 239 Page 11 of 11