501.9 Student Absences

Regular attendance by students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the educational program. Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence. Student absences for school-sponsored or approved activities, shall count as days in attendance.

Students shall make-up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed assignments. It shall be the responsibility of the student to initiate a procedure with the student's teacher to complete the work missed.

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.

At the High School level, if a student accumulates six (6) absences in a class, he or she may lose credit for the class. Prior to imposing the loss of credit in one or more classes, the principal or designee shall provide the student an opportunity for an informal hearing.

Students are responsible for arranging to make up missed schoolwork for absences. Students have the same number of days they were absent plus one day to make up work. An extension of this policy may be requested in case of serious illness. The time allowed for make-up work may be extended at the discretion of the classroom teacher.

Students who wish to participate in school-sponsored activities must attend school for four class periods immediately prior to the scheduled event or rehearsal/practice in which the student is to participate 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 as soon as the parent knows the student will not be attending school on that day. The superintendent or designee may 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. 12.3(4).

Cross Reference:  501 Student Attendance
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
506 Student Records

Adopted:  04/18/94
Modified:  05/17/21
Reviewed:  05/03/21