Student Absences – Excused

Code No.: 501.2
STUDENT ABSENCES – EXCUSED
Regular attendance by students is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the
education program. Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a
necessary absence. Students will attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance
center.
Student absences approved by the principal are excused absences. Excused absences will count as days
in attendance for purposes of the truancy law. These absences include, but are not limited to, illness,
family emergencies, recognized religious observances, appointments that cannot be scheduled outside
the school day and school-sponsored or approved activities.
Students whose absences are approved will make up the work missed and receive full credit for the
missed school work. For make-up work, students have the number of days missed plus one day to get
the work turned in. (For example, five days absent equals 6 days to complete make-up work). It is the
responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student’s teacher to complete the work
missed.
Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school the day of the activity
unless permission has been given by the principal for the student to be absent. Students are required to be
in attendance by 11:30 a.m. in order to be eligible to participate in a co-curricular activity on a given day.
If a student goes home ill from school, they are not eligible to practice or participate in shows or
competitions.
It is the responsibility of the parent to notify the student’s attendance center as soon as the parent knows
the student will not be attending school on that day. The principal may request evidence or written
verification of the student’s reason for absence.
It is the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative
regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (2013).
281 I.A.C. 12.3(4).
Approved
Revised 4/18/94
Reviewed 2/21/00
Reviewed 4/7/03
Revised 4/21/03
Revised 7/7/08
Revised 12/5/11
Revised 7/6/15