Regular attendance by students is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents should understand that any absence not excused by a physician, school nurse, or building principal shall be considered an absence from school.
Any absences excused by either a physician, school nurse, or building principal (including any school sponsored or approved activities) shall be considered as days in attendance for the purpose of the truancy law.
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 available resources of the district and as permitted by law. During approved remote learning, attendance will be 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 programs (IEPs) or Section 504 plans will be determined by each respective IEP or Section 504 team.
Students shall be allowed the opportunity to make up the work missed.
Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities are only allowed to miss until noon of the day of the activity unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent.
It shall be the responsibility of the parent to notify the student's attendance center no later than 10:00 a.m. of the day the student is absent, or as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day. The principal/designee will request evidence or written verification of the student's reason for absence.
It shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: 34 C.F.R.sec. 300
28 C.F.R. Pt. 35
Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299.
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
506 Student Records
Approved: 07/17/2006
Reviewed: 08/18/2008, 12/17/2018, 07/20/2020
Revised: 06/19/2006, 12/16/2013, 07/20/2020, 11/27/2023
