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 shall attend school unless excused by the principal of their attendance center.
Student absences approved by the principal shall be excused absences. Excused absences shall 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.
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 whose absences are approved shall make up the work missed and receive full credit for the missed school work. It shall be 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 1/2 day 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 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 shall be the responsibility of the superintendent, in conjunction with the principal, to develop administrative regulations regarding this policy.
Legal Reference: Iowa Code §§ 294.4; 299 (1999).
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).
Cross Reference: 501 Student Attendance
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
506 Student Records
Approved 9/15/97 Reviewed 2/17/2021
