5200 Attendance
5200 - ATTENDANCE
The Board of Education requires all students enrolled in the schools of this District to attend school regularly in accordance with the laws of the State. The District's educational program is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. The regular contact of students with one another in the classroom and their participation in a well-planned instructional activity under the tutelage of a competent teacher are vital to this purpose.
A copy of this Administrative Guideline will be provided to each student and copies will also be provided to individuals upon request.
Compulsory Student Attendance
All children between six (6) and eighteen (18) years of age shall attend school regularly during the full period and hours, religious holidays excepted, that the school in which the child is enrolled is in session until the end of the term, quarter or semester of the school year in which the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age, unless they fall under an exception outlined in this Administrative Guideline. A child who is enrolled in five (5) year-old kindergarten shall attend school regularly, religious holidays excepted, during the full period and hours that kindergarten is in session until the end of the school term.
Written Excuse for Absence
A student who is absent shall submit a written, dated, signed statement from his/her parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence and the time period of the absence. This written statement must be submitted prior to the absence if the absence is foreseeable. If the absence is not foreseeable, the statement must be submitted prior to the student's readmission to school. The statement shall be submitted to the School Attendance Officer, or his/her designee, and filed in the student's school record. The District reserves the right to verify statements and investigate absences from school.
Excused Absences
A student shall be excused from school for the following reasons:
The Board of Education requires all students enrolled in the schools of this District to attend school regularly in accordance with the laws of the State. The District's educational program is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. The regular contact of students with one another in the classroom and their participation in a well-planned instructional activity under the tutelage of a competent teacher are vital to this purpose.
A copy of this Administrative Guideline will be provided to each student and copies will also be provided to individuals upon request.
Compulsory Student Attendance
All children between six (6) and eighteen (18) years of age shall attend school regularly during the full period and hours, religious holidays excepted, that the school in which the child is enrolled is in session until the end of the term, quarter or semester of the school year in which the child becomes eighteen (18) years of age, unless they fall under an exception outlined in this Administrative Guideline. A child who is enrolled in five (5) year-old kindergarten shall attend school regularly, religious holidays excepted, during the full period and hours that kindergarten is in session until the end of the school term.
Written Excuse for Absence
A student who is absent shall submit a written, dated, signed statement from his/her parent or guardian stating the reason for the absence and the time period of the absence. This written statement must be submitted prior to the absence if the absence is foreseeable. If the absence is not foreseeable, the statement must be submitted prior to the student's readmission to school. The statement shall be submitted to the School Attendance Officer, or his/her designee, and filed in the student's school record. The District reserves the right to verify statements and investigate absences from school.
Excused Absences
A student shall be excused from school for the following reasons:
A. Physical or Mental Condition
The student is temporarily not in proper physical or mental condition to attend a school program. If the absence exceeds five (5) days, the inability of the student to attend school due to a physical or mental condition must be certified in writing by a licensed physician, dentist, chiropractor, optometrist or psychologist or religious practitioner living and residing in Wisconsin, who by belief is exempt. The time period for which the certification is valid may not exceed thirty (30) days.
B. Obtaining Religious Instruction
The student wishes to obtain religious instruction outside the school during the required school period. The time period or periods of absence shall be determined by District Administrator. Such absences must be at least sixty (60) minutes but not more than 180 minutes per week. Requests for absence under this paragraph shall be denied if the student fails to attend religious instruction after requesting to be absent from his/her regular school. The supervisor of such religious instruction shall report monthly, to the principal of the school regularly attended, the names of the students who attended such weekly religious instruction. See Policy 5223 - Absences for Religious Instruction for further details.
C. Permission of Parent or Guardian
The student has been excused by his/her parent or guardian before the absence for any or no reason. A student may not be excused for more than ten (10) days under this paragraph and must complete any course work missed during the absence.
D. Religious Holiday
The student wishes to observe a religious holiday consistent with the student's creed or belief.
The student is temporarily not in proper physical or mental condition to attend a school program. If the absence exceeds five (5) days, the inability of the student to attend school due to a physical or mental condition must be certified in writing by a licensed physician, dentist, chiropractor, optometrist or psychologist or religious practitioner living and residing in Wisconsin, who by belief is exempt. The time period for which the certification is valid may not exceed thirty (30) days.
B. Obtaining Religious Instruction
The student wishes to obtain religious instruction outside the school during the required school period. The time period or periods of absence shall be determined by District Administrator. Such absences must be at least sixty (60) minutes but not more than 180 minutes per week. Requests for absence under this paragraph shall be denied if the student fails to attend religious instruction after requesting to be absent from his/her regular school. The supervisor of such religious instruction shall report monthly, to the principal of the school regularly attended, the names of the students who attended such weekly religious instruction. See Policy 5223 - Absences for Religious Instruction for further details.
C. Permission of Parent or Guardian
The student has been excused by his/her parent or guardian before the absence for any or no reason. A student may not be excused for more than ten (10) days under this paragraph and must complete any course work missed during the absence.
D. Religious Holiday
The student wishes to observe a religious holiday consistent with the student's creed or belief.
E. Suspension or Expulsion
The student has been suspended or expelled.
F. Program or Curriculum Modification
The School Board has excused the student from regular school attendance to participate in a program or curriculum modification leading to high school equivalency diploma as provided by State law.
A student may be excused from school, as determined by the School Attendance Officer, or his/her designee, for the following reasons:
The student has been suspended or expelled.
F. Program or Curriculum Modification
The School Board has excused the student from regular school attendance to participate in a program or curriculum modification leading to high school equivalency diploma as provided by State law.
A student may be excused from school, as determined by the School Attendance Officer, or his/her designee, for the following reasons:
A. Quarantine
Quarantine of the student's home by a public health officer.
Quarantine of the student's home by a public health officer.
B. Illness of an Immediate Family Member
The illness of an immediate family member.
C. Emergency
An emergency that requires the student to be absent because of familial responsibilities or other appropriate reasons.
School Attendance Officer
The District Administrator shall be the School Attendance Officer. The School Attendance Officer shall be responsible for dealing with matters relating to school attendance and truancy. The duties of the School Attendance Officer shall include, but not be limited to the following:
The illness of an immediate family member.
C. Emergency
An emergency that requires the student to be absent because of familial responsibilities or other appropriate reasons.
School Attendance Officer
The District Administrator shall be the School Attendance Officer. The School Attendance Officer shall be responsible for dealing with matters relating to school attendance and truancy. The duties of the School Attendance Officer shall include, but not be limited to the following:
A. Determining daily from attendance reports submitted by teachers which students enrolled in the school are absent from school and whether the absence is excused.
B. Providing student attendance information to individuals and agencies for purposes authorized by State law and the Board's Student Records Policy (see Board Policy 8330).
C. Performing the duties and responsibilities assigned to him/her under this Administrative Guideline.
Truancy
A student will be considered truant if s/he is absent part or all of one or more days from school during which the School Attendance Officer, principal, or a teacher has not been notified of the acceptable reason under these guidelines of such absence by the parent or guardian of the absent student. A student will also be considered truant if s/he has been absent intermittently for the purpose of defeating the intent of the Wisconsin Compulsory Attendance statute (Sec. 118.15, Wis. Stats.).
When a student is truant, the School Attendance Officer shall ensure that all applicable provisions of the District's Truancy Plan are carried out.
Unexcused Absences
Unexcused absences demonstrate a deliberate disregard for the educational program and are considered a serious matter. The principal, or an individual designated by the principal, will determine on a case-by-case basis the appropriate methods to deal with unexcused absences. The following methods may be considered:
Truancy
A student will be considered truant if s/he is absent part or all of one or more days from school during which the School Attendance Officer, principal, or a teacher has not been notified of the acceptable reason under these guidelines of such absence by the parent or guardian of the absent student. A student will also be considered truant if s/he has been absent intermittently for the purpose of defeating the intent of the Wisconsin Compulsory Attendance statute (Sec. 118.15, Wis. Stats.).
When a student is truant, the School Attendance Officer shall ensure that all applicable provisions of the District's Truancy Plan are carried out.
Unexcused Absences
Unexcused absences demonstrate a deliberate disregard for the educational program and are considered a serious matter. The principal, or an individual designated by the principal, will determine on a case-by-case basis the appropriate methods to deal with unexcused absences. The following methods may be considered:
A. counseling the student
B. requiring the student to make-up lost time
C. requiring the student to make-up course work and/or examinations, as permitted under this guideline
D. conferring with the student's parents
E. referring the student to an appropriate agency for assistance
Administrative action to address unexcused absences shall be in accord with due process, as defined in Policy 5611, the Student Code of Conduct, and other applicable Board policies.
Habitual Truancy
A student is considered a habitual truant if s/he is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five (5) or more days on which school is held during a school semester.
When a student initially becomes a habitual truant, the School Attendance Officer shall ensure that all applicable provisions of the District's Truancy Plan are carried out.
Students with Special Needs
School administrators and teachers shall ensure that any student who, due to a specifically identifiable physical or mental impairment, exceeds or may exceed the District's limit on excused absence is referred for evaluation for eligibility either under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Chapter 115, Wis. Stats.
Encouraging Attendance
Promoting and fostering desired student attendance habits requires a commitment from the administration, faculty, and parents. No single individual or group can - in and of itself - successfully accomplish this task.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the student's parent or guardian to ensure that their child attends school regularly. Parents are expected to provide a written excuse for all absences as required under this Guideline.
Student Responsibilities
Students are required to attend all classes and other school activities on their daily schedule, unless they have been excused from school as set forth in this Guideline.
Students Leaving School During School Day
As a general rule, no staff member shall permit or cause any student to leave the school prior to the regular hour of dismissal except with the knowledge and approval of the District Administrator and with the knowledge and approval of the student's parents.
No student will be released to any government agency without proper warrant or written parental permission except in the event of an emergency as determined by District Administrator.
Make-Up Course Work and Examinations
Students who are absent from school, whether the absence was excused or unexcused shall be permitted to make-up course work and examinations missed during the absence when they return to school. It is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teachers to determine what course work and examinations must be made-up. Teachers shall have the discretion to assign substitute course work and examination. Teachers shall also have the discretion to specify where and when examinations and course work shall be completed, including outside regular school hours. The time for completing the work shall be commensurate with the length of the absence, unless extended by the principal based upon extenuating circumstances.
A student's grade in any course shall be based on his/her performance in the instructional setting and is not reduced for reasons of conduct. If a student, violates the attendance or other rules of the school, s/he should be disciplined appropriately for the misconduct, but his/her grades should be based upon what the student can demonstrate s/he has learned.
Tardiness
B. requiring the student to make-up lost time
C. requiring the student to make-up course work and/or examinations, as permitted under this guideline
D. conferring with the student's parents
E. referring the student to an appropriate agency for assistance
Administrative action to address unexcused absences shall be in accord with due process, as defined in Policy 5611, the Student Code of Conduct, and other applicable Board policies.
Habitual Truancy
A student is considered a habitual truant if s/he is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five (5) or more days on which school is held during a school semester.
When a student initially becomes a habitual truant, the School Attendance Officer shall ensure that all applicable provisions of the District's Truancy Plan are carried out.
Students with Special Needs
School administrators and teachers shall ensure that any student who, due to a specifically identifiable physical or mental impairment, exceeds or may exceed the District's limit on excused absence is referred for evaluation for eligibility either under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Chapter 115, Wis. Stats.
Encouraging Attendance
Promoting and fostering desired student attendance habits requires a commitment from the administration, faculty, and parents. No single individual or group can - in and of itself - successfully accomplish this task.
Parent/Guardian Responsibilities
It is the responsibility of the student's parent or guardian to ensure that their child attends school regularly. Parents are expected to provide a written excuse for all absences as required under this Guideline.
Student Responsibilities
Students are required to attend all classes and other school activities on their daily schedule, unless they have been excused from school as set forth in this Guideline.
Students Leaving School During School Day
As a general rule, no staff member shall permit or cause any student to leave the school prior to the regular hour of dismissal except with the knowledge and approval of the District Administrator and with the knowledge and approval of the student's parents.
No student will be released to any government agency without proper warrant or written parental permission except in the event of an emergency as determined by District Administrator.
Make-Up Course Work and Examinations
Students who are absent from school, whether the absence was excused or unexcused shall be permitted to make-up course work and examinations missed during the absence when they return to school. It is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teachers to determine what course work and examinations must be made-up. Teachers shall have the discretion to assign substitute course work and examination. Teachers shall also have the discretion to specify where and when examinations and course work shall be completed, including outside regular school hours. The time for completing the work shall be commensurate with the length of the absence, unless extended by the principal based upon extenuating circumstances.
A student's grade in any course shall be based on his/her performance in the instructional setting and is not reduced for reasons of conduct. If a student, violates the attendance or other rules of the school, s/he should be disciplined appropriately for the misconduct, but his/her grades should be based upon what the student can demonstrate s/he has learned.
Tardiness
A. Students not in their homeroom or in class when the late bell rings are considered tardy.
B. Students who attend any part of the class shall be recorded as present.
C. All students who are tardy to school must report to the principal's office to sign in.
D. When a teacher detains a student after class, s/he shall issue a late pass for the student's next class.
E. Teachers are requested to refer cases of chronic tardiness to the principal.
C. All students who are tardy to school must report to the principal's office to sign in.
D. When a teacher detains a student after class, s/he shall issue a late pass for the student's next class.
E. Teachers are requested to refer cases of chronic tardiness to the principal.
5200 - ATTENDANCE
State law requires the Board of Education to enforce the regular attendance of students. Further, the Board recognizes that the District's educational program is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. The regular contact of students with one another in the classroom and their participation in a well-planned instructional activity under the tutelage of a competent teacher are vital to this purpose.
All children between six (6) and above shall attend school regularly during the full period and hours, religious holidays excepted, that the school in which the child is enrolled is in session, unless they fall under an exception under State law, this policy, or administrative guideline issued under this policy. A child who is enrolled in five (5) year-old kindergarten shall attend school regularly, religious holidays excepted, during the full period and hours that kindergarten is in session until the end of the school term.
Written Excuse Required
The District Administrator shall require, from the parent or guardian of each student, who has been absent for any reason a notice stating the reason for the absence and the time period covered by the absence. The Board reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each:
A. single absence;
B. repeated unexplained absence and tardiness.
School Attendance Officer
The District Administrator shall designate an administrator at each school to be the School Attendance Officer. The School Attendance Officer shall perform any duties and responsibilities s/he is required to perform by State law, this policy, and any administrative guidelines issued by the school. The duties of the School Attendance Officer shall include, but not be limited to, the following.
State law requires the Board of Education to enforce the regular attendance of students. Further, the Board recognizes that the District's educational program is predicated upon the presence of the student and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. The regular contact of students with one another in the classroom and their participation in a well-planned instructional activity under the tutelage of a competent teacher are vital to this purpose.
All children between six (6) and above shall attend school regularly during the full period and hours, religious holidays excepted, that the school in which the child is enrolled is in session, unless they fall under an exception under State law, this policy, or administrative guideline issued under this policy. A child who is enrolled in five (5) year-old kindergarten shall attend school regularly, religious holidays excepted, during the full period and hours that kindergarten is in session until the end of the school term.
Written Excuse Required
The District Administrator shall require, from the parent or guardian of each student, who has been absent for any reason a notice stating the reason for the absence and the time period covered by the absence. The Board reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each:
A. single absence;
B. repeated unexplained absence and tardiness.
School Attendance Officer
The District Administrator shall designate an administrator at each school to be the School Attendance Officer. The School Attendance Officer shall perform any duties and responsibilities s/he is required to perform by State law, this policy, and any administrative guidelines issued by the school. The duties of the School Attendance Officer shall include, but not be limited to, the following.
A. Determining daily from attendance reports submitted by teachers which students enrolled in the school are absent from school and whether the absence is excused.
B. Submitting to the District Administrator, on or before August 1st of each year, a report of the number of students enrolled in the school who were absent in the previous year and whether the absences were excused. The District Administrator shall then submit this information to the State Superintendent.
C. Providing student attendance information to individuals and agencies for purposes authorized by State law and the Board's Policy 8330 - Student Records.
Excused Absences
As required under State law, a student shall be excused from school for the following reasons:
B. Submitting to the District Administrator, on or before August 1st of each year, a report of the number of students enrolled in the school who were absent in the previous year and whether the absences were excused. The District Administrator shall then submit this information to the State Superintendent.
C. Providing student attendance information to individuals and agencies for purposes authorized by State law and the Board's Policy 8330 - Student Records.
Excused Absences
As required under State law, a student shall be excused from school for the following reasons:
A. Physical or Mental Condition
The student is temporarily not in proper physical or mental condition to attend a school program.
B. Obtaining Religious Instruction
To enable the student to obtain religious instruction outside the school during the required school period (see Policy 5223 - Absences for Religious Instruction).
C. Permission of Parent or Guardian
The student has been excused by his/her parent or guardian before the absence for any or no reason. A student may not be excused for more than ten (10) days per school year under this paragraph and must complete any course work missed during the absence. Examples of reasons for being absent that should be counted under this paragraph include, but are not limited to, the following:
The student is temporarily not in proper physical or mental condition to attend a school program.
B. Obtaining Religious Instruction
To enable the student to obtain religious instruction outside the school during the required school period (see Policy 5223 - Absences for Religious Instruction).
C. Permission of Parent or Guardian
The student has been excused by his/her parent or guardian before the absence for any or no reason. A student may not be excused for more than ten (10) days per school year under this paragraph and must complete any course work missed during the absence. Examples of reasons for being absent that should be counted under this paragraph include, but are not limited to, the following:
1. professional and other necessary appointments (e.g., medical, dental, and legal) that cannot be scheduled outside of the school day
2. to attend the funeral of a relative
3. legal proceedings that require the student's presence
4. vacations
2. to attend the funeral of a relative
3. legal proceedings that require the student's presence
4. vacations
D. Religious Holiday
For observance of a religious holiday consistent with the student's creed or belief.
E. Suspension or Expulsion
The student has been suspended or expelled.
F. Program or Curriculum Modification
The Board has excused the student from regular school attendance to participate in a program or curriculum modification leading to high school graduation or a high school equivalency diploma as provided by State law.
G. Child at Risk
The student is a "child at risk" as defined under State law and is participating in a program
A student may be excused from school, as determined by the School Attendance Officer for the following reasons:
A. Quarantine
For observance of a religious holiday consistent with the student's creed or belief.
E. Suspension or Expulsion
The student has been suspended or expelled.
F. Program or Curriculum Modification
The Board has excused the student from regular school attendance to participate in a program or curriculum modification leading to high school graduation or a high school equivalency diploma as provided by State law.
G. Child at Risk
The student is a "child at risk" as defined under State law and is participating in a program
A student may be excused from school, as determined by the School Attendance Officer for the following reasons:
A. Quarantine
Quarantine of the student's home by a public health officer.
B. Illness of an Immediate Family Member
The illness of an immediate family member.
C. Emergency
An emergency that requires the student to be absent because of familial responsibilities or other appropriate reasons.
Unexcused Absences
Unexcused absences demonstrate a deliberate disregard for the educational program and are considered a serious matter. The District Administrator shall develop administrative guidelines to address unexcused absences.
Truancy Plan
The Board will issue a Truancy Plan based upon the recommendations of the County Truancy Committee convened under State law, the Board's policies and procedures, and applicable provisions of State law. The Board will review and, if appropriate, revise the Truancy Plan at least once every two (2) years.
The Truancy Plan will include, at a minimum, the following:
A. procedures to be followed for notifying the parents or guardians of the unexcused absences of a student who is truant or a habitual truant and for meeting and conferring with such parents or guardians
B. plans and procedures for identifying truant children of all ages and returning them to school, including the identity of school personnel to whom a truant child shall be returned
C. methods to increase and maintain public awareness of and involvement in responding to truancy within the school district
D. a provision addressing the immediate response to be made by school personnel when a truant child is returned to school
E. the types of truancy cases to be referred to the District Attorney and the time periods within which the District Attorney will respond to and take action on the referrals
F. plans and procedures to coordinate the responses to the problems of habitual truants, as defined under Sec. 118.16(1)(a), Wis. Stats., with public and private social services agencies
G. methods to involve the truant child's parent or guardian in dealing with and solving the child's truancy problem
A student will be considered truant if s/he is absent part or all of one (1) or more days from school during which the School Attendance Officer, District Administrator, or a teacher has not been notified of the legal cause of such absence by the parent or guardian of the absent student. A student who is absent intermittently for the purpose of defeating the intent of the Wisconsin Compulsory Attendance Statute Sec. 118.15, Wis. Stats., will also be considered truant.
A student will be considered a habitual truant if s/he is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five (5) or more days on which school is held during a school semester.
Notice of Truancy
The School Attendance Officer shall notify a truant student's parent or guardian of the student's truancy and direct the parent or guardian to return the student to school no later than the next day on which school is in session or to provide an excuse for the absence. The notice under this paragraph shall be given before the end of the second school day after receiving a report of an unexcused absence. Notice shall be made by personal contact or telephone call, if possible, and a written record of this notice shall be kept. If such notice is not effective, notice shall be made by mail. This notice must be given every time a student is truant until the student becomes a habitual truant.
Notice of Habitual Truancy
When a student initially becomes a habitual truant, the School Attendance Officer shall provide a notice to the student's parent or guardian, by registered or certified mail, which contains the following:
A student will be considered truant if s/he is absent part or all of one (1) or more days from school during which the School Attendance Officer, District Administrator, or a teacher has not been notified of the legal cause of such absence by the parent or guardian of the absent student. A student who is absent intermittently for the purpose of defeating the intent of the Wisconsin Compulsory Attendance Statute Sec. 118.15, Wis. Stats., will also be considered truant.
A student will be considered a habitual truant if s/he is absent from school without an acceptable excuse for part or all of five (5) or more days on which school is held during a school semester.
Notice of Truancy
The School Attendance Officer shall notify a truant student's parent or guardian of the student's truancy and direct the parent or guardian to return the student to school no later than the next day on which school is in session or to provide an excuse for the absence. The notice under this paragraph shall be given before the end of the second school day after receiving a report of an unexcused absence. Notice shall be made by personal contact or telephone call, if possible, and a written record of this notice shall be kept. If such notice is not effective, notice shall be made by mail. This notice must be given every time a student is truant until the student becomes a habitual truant.
Notice of Habitual Truancy
When a student initially becomes a habitual truant, the School Attendance Officer shall provide a notice to the student's parent or guardian, by registered or certified mail, which contains the following:
A. a statement of the parent's or guardian's responsibility under State law to cause the student to attend school regularly
B. a statement that the parent, guardian, or student may request program or curriculum modifications for the student under State law and that the student may be eligible for enrollment in a program for children at risk
C. a request that the parent or guardian meet with the appropriate school personnel to discuss the student's truancy
The notice shall include the name of the school personnel with whom the parent or guardian should meet, a date, time, and place for the meeting and the name, address, and telephone number of a person to contact to arrange a different date, time, or place. The date for the meeting shall be within five (5) school days after the date that the notice is sent, except that with the consent of the student's parent or guardian the date for the meeting may be extended for an additional five (5) school days.
D. a statement of the penalties, under State law or local ordinances that may be imposed on the parent or guardian if s/he fails to cause the child to attend school regularly as required by State law
The School Attendance Officer will also continue to notify the parent or guardian of a habitual truant's subsequent unexcused absences.
Referral to the District Attorney
Truancy cases will be referred to the District Attorney as provided in the County Truancy Committee Plan. The School Attendance Officer will ensure that appropriate school personnel have done the following before any case is referred to the District Attorney:
B. a statement that the parent, guardian, or student may request program or curriculum modifications for the student under State law and that the student may be eligible for enrollment in a program for children at risk
C. a request that the parent or guardian meet with the appropriate school personnel to discuss the student's truancy
The notice shall include the name of the school personnel with whom the parent or guardian should meet, a date, time, and place for the meeting and the name, address, and telephone number of a person to contact to arrange a different date, time, or place. The date for the meeting shall be within five (5) school days after the date that the notice is sent, except that with the consent of the student's parent or guardian the date for the meeting may be extended for an additional five (5) school days.
D. a statement of the penalties, under State law or local ordinances that may be imposed on the parent or guardian if s/he fails to cause the child to attend school regularly as required by State law
The School Attendance Officer will also continue to notify the parent or guardian of a habitual truant's subsequent unexcused absences.
Referral to the District Attorney
Truancy cases will be referred to the District Attorney as provided in the County Truancy Committee Plan. The School Attendance Officer will ensure that appropriate school personnel have done the following before any case is referred to the District Attorney:
A. met with the student's parent or guardian to discuss the student's truancy or attempted to meet with the student's parent or guardian and received no response or were refused
B. provided an opportunity for educational counseling to the student to determine whether a change in the student's curriculum would resolve the student's truancy and have curriculum modifications under State law
C. evaluated the student to determine whether learning problems may be a cause of the student's truancy and, if so, have taken steps to overcome the learning problems, except that the student need not be evaluated if tests administered to the student within the previous year indicate that the student is performing at his/her grade level
D. conducted an evaluation to determine whether social problems may be a cause of the student's truancy and, if so, have taken appropriate action or made appropriate referrals
Note that paragraph A. is not required if the meeting between school personnel, the student, and the student's parent or guardian, which was requested in the Notice of Habitual Truancy to the parent or guardian, did not occur within ten (10) school days after the Notice was sent. Paragraphs B., C., and D. are not required if appropriate school personnel were unable to carry out the activity due to the student's absences from school.
Make-up Course Work and Examinations
Excused Absences
A student whose absence from school was excused, except for an expelled student, shall be permitted to make-up course work and any quarterly, semester, or grading period examinations missed during the absences when they return to school. It is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teachers to determine what course work and examinations must be made-up. Teachers shall have the discretion to assign substitute course work and examinations. Teachers shall also have the discretion to specify where and when examinations and course work shall be completed, including outside regular school hours. The time for completing the work shall be commensurate with the length of the absence, unless extended by the District Administrator based upon extenuating circumstances.
Unexcused Absences
Credit in a course or subject shall not be denied solely because of a student's unexcused absences from school.
Students with unexcused absences shall be permitted to make-up course work and any quarterly, semester, or grading period examinations missed during the absence if the student is at risk of receiving no credit in a course or subject if the work is not made up.
Subject to the immediately preceding two (2) paragraphs, credit may, but is not required to be given for the completion of make-up work. Further, credit for make-up work may be given only after the student has satisfied consequences imposed for unexcused absences. The extent to which make-up credit is given shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the District Administrator and the respective teachers.
If make-up work has been assigned, it is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teachers to determine what course work and examinations must be made-up. Teachers shall have the discretion to assign substitute course work and examinations. Teachers shall also have the discretion to specify where and when examinations and course work shall be completed, including outside regular school hours. The time for completing the work shall be commensurate with the length of the absence, unless extended by the District Administrator based upon extenuating circumstances.
District Administrator Guidelines
The District Administrator shall develop administrative guidelines concerning the attendance of students which:
D. conducted an evaluation to determine whether social problems may be a cause of the student's truancy and, if so, have taken appropriate action or made appropriate referrals
Note that paragraph A. is not required if the meeting between school personnel, the student, and the student's parent or guardian, which was requested in the Notice of Habitual Truancy to the parent or guardian, did not occur within ten (10) school days after the Notice was sent. Paragraphs B., C., and D. are not required if appropriate school personnel were unable to carry out the activity due to the student's absences from school.
Make-up Course Work and Examinations
Excused Absences
A student whose absence from school was excused, except for an expelled student, shall be permitted to make-up course work and any quarterly, semester, or grading period examinations missed during the absences when they return to school. It is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teachers to determine what course work and examinations must be made-up. Teachers shall have the discretion to assign substitute course work and examinations. Teachers shall also have the discretion to specify where and when examinations and course work shall be completed, including outside regular school hours. The time for completing the work shall be commensurate with the length of the absence, unless extended by the District Administrator based upon extenuating circumstances.
Unexcused Absences
Credit in a course or subject shall not be denied solely because of a student's unexcused absences from school.
Students with unexcused absences shall be permitted to make-up course work and any quarterly, semester, or grading period examinations missed during the absence if the student is at risk of receiving no credit in a course or subject if the work is not made up.
Subject to the immediately preceding two (2) paragraphs, credit may, but is not required to be given for the completion of make-up work. Further, credit for make-up work may be given only after the student has satisfied consequences imposed for unexcused absences. The extent to which make-up credit is given shall be determined on a case-by-case basis by the District Administrator and the respective teachers.
If make-up work has been assigned, it is the student's responsibility to contact his/her teachers to determine what course work and examinations must be made-up. Teachers shall have the discretion to assign substitute course work and examinations. Teachers shall also have the discretion to specify where and when examinations and course work shall be completed, including outside regular school hours. The time for completing the work shall be commensurate with the length of the absence, unless extended by the District Administrator based upon extenuating circumstances.
District Administrator Guidelines
The District Administrator shall develop administrative guidelines concerning the attendance of students which:
A. ensure a school session which is in conformity with the requirement of the law;
B. ensure that students absent for an excusable reason have an opportunity to make-up work they missed;
C. govern the keeping of attendance records in accordance with State law;
D. facilitate implementation of the Truancy Plan;
E. identify the habitual truant, investigate the cause(s) of his/her behavior, and consider modification of his/her educational program to meet particular needs and interests;
F. ensure that any student who, due to a specifically identifiable physical or mental impairment, exceeds or may exceed the District's limit on excused absence is referred for evaluation for eligibility either under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Chapter 115, Wis. Stats.;
G. provide that a student's grade in any course is based on his/her performance in the instructional setting and is not reduced for reasons of conduct. If a student violates the attendance or other rules of the school, s/he should be disciplined appropriately for the misconduct, but his/her grades should be based upon what the student can demonstrate s/he has learned;
H. ensure that all parents and students are informed of the District's Attendance Policy and related guidelines;
I. enable the School Attendance Officer to perform his/her duties under State law and this policy; and
J. address unexcused absences.
115, 118.15, 118.125(2), 118.153, 118.16, 118.162, Wis. Stats.
© Neola 2011
B. ensure that students absent for an excusable reason have an opportunity to make-up work they missed;
C. govern the keeping of attendance records in accordance with State law;
D. facilitate implementation of the Truancy Plan;
E. identify the habitual truant, investigate the cause(s) of his/her behavior, and consider modification of his/her educational program to meet particular needs and interests;
F. ensure that any student who, due to a specifically identifiable physical or mental impairment, exceeds or may exceed the District's limit on excused absence is referred for evaluation for eligibility either under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and Chapter 115, Wis. Stats.;
G. provide that a student's grade in any course is based on his/her performance in the instructional setting and is not reduced for reasons of conduct. If a student violates the attendance or other rules of the school, s/he should be disciplined appropriately for the misconduct, but his/her grades should be based upon what the student can demonstrate s/he has learned;
H. ensure that all parents and students are informed of the District's Attendance Policy and related guidelines;
I. enable the School Attendance Officer to perform his/her duties under State law and this policy; and
J. address unexcused absences.
115, 118.15, 118.125(2), 118.153, 118.16, 118.162, Wis. Stats.
© Neola 2011