¹û½´ÊÓƵ

Section X: Student attendance

School Attendance Rules

Children are required by law to go to school from the beginning of the school year during which they turn 6 years old until the end of the school year when they turn 16. They can go to public school, private school or be homeschooled. If they don’t go to public school, their parent or guardian must formally notify the school district.

---

Why Coming to School Matters

Coming to school every day helps students do well in school. If a student is late or absent, their parent or guardian must tell the school office at the beginning of the day. The school also needs a note, email or message explaining why the student was absent or late within five school days. If a student misses more than five days in a row, they must bring a doctor’s note. If no note is given, the absence will be marked as unexcused.

---

Excused and Unexcused Absences

Some reasons for missing school are allowed, and some are not. 

Excused absences include:

• Being sick
• Religious holidays
• Death or serious illness in the family
• Doctor or dentist visits

Unexcused absences include:

• Oversleeping
• Taking a sibling to school
• Going to get a driver’s license
• Not wanting to go to school

Students who have too many unexcused absences can face consequences. This can include detention or not being allowed to participate in extracurricular events.

---

Getting Help with Attendance

The district wants to help families get their students to school. If a student keeps missing school, the district may offer help. They may call, send letters or emails, or even visit the home to find ways to help families improve attendance.