This regulation goes into effect beginning with the 2026-27 school year.

The Board of Education has established the following rules and regulations regarding attendance, absences and excuses for students. These rules and regulations are intended to comply with Missouri Compulsory Attendance Law (167.031 RSMo.) which establishes compulsory attendance for all children between the ages of seven and sixteen unless their education is provided by other acceptable means or otherwise excusable under the law.

Parents should contact the office by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence to notify the school when their student is unable to attend and the reason for the absence. If contact is not made by the parent, the school will attempt to make contact.  Each absence will be labeled verified, or unverified. A verified absence is an absence that is justified by official documentation (i.e. doctor, dentist, driver’s exam, funeral, sent home by school nurse) or has been approved by administration. Verified absences will only be given for the time noted on the doctor’s note. An unverified absence is any absence that is not supported with official documentation

If a student exceeds seven absences in any class or classes per semester they will not receive class credit for each day absent thereafter unless that absence is a: 1) absence excused through a doctor’s office; 2) absence excused through a dentist’s office; 3) absences missed due to a death in the immediate family; or 4) approved by administration. A note, fax, or telephone call from the doctor’s office must accompany the student’s return to school in order for the absence to be excused. If not meeting these standards then all assignments due, tests, etc. on the day of absence will be given a grade of 0%.  Anything assigned on those days can still be done for credit. If a student reaches 10 absences for a class period in a semester they may be denied credit for that class. (Student suspensions are not counted as days/hours absent for purposes of this policy.)

A student who complies with a subpoena to testify in a criminal proceeding, attends a criminal proceeding, or who participates in the preparation for a criminal proceeding will not be disciplined for violation of the District’s attendance policy. Similarly, such student’s parents/guardians will not be in violation of the state’s truancy schedule §167.061.

The following procedures should be followed by students who are absent so as to prevent academic difficulties:

1. The student shall obtain assignments from appropriate staff members. Assignments shall be obtained in advance if the absence is foreseen.
2. All assigned work shall be submitted upon returning to school.
3. All classroom work (to include tests) shall be completed as indicated by the individual classroom teacher.

A student is expected to make up work as a result of class periods missed.  It shall be the student's responsibility to meet with the teacher and receive the necessary instructions and assignments.

Attendance patterns for all students will be monitored.  Absences which are not reported will be investigated by the principal and/or staff, and appropriate action will be taken

1. After a student has been absent for three (3) consecutive days, it is the building principal's responsibility to contact the parent/guardian by telephone or letter in order to inquire about the reason for the student's absence.

2. If the principal is unable to contact the parent/guardian within three (3) days or the parent/guardian does not give a reasonable explanation for the absence within three (3) days, the building principal shall send a registered letter to the parent/guardian requesting a conference within a week.

3. If the parent/guardian does not contact the principal within a week of receipt of the registered letter, the building principal will make a referral to the proper legal authorities.

4. The building principal shall also notify the office of the Superintendent in writing of the excessive absence and continue to update the Superintendent on the situation.

Excessive Absences

Elementary Students and Middle School Students

Excessive absences have a detrimental effect upon academic progress and may be one factor considered in promotion/retention decisions.

High School Students

A student shall be allowed a maximum of ten (10) absences from any class per semester.  Students who accumulates in excess of this limit in any class are subject to loss of credit for that class during that semester.  (Days of student suspension are not counted as days absent for purposes of this policy.)

Any absence from class as a result of a school-sanctioned activity is not recorded as an absence for purposes of this policy.  Example:  field trip, athletic event, student activity, etc.

Appeal

A student and parent/legal guardian may appeal to the attendance committee as to why the student should receive credit if over their absence limit. The committee shall consist of (Principal, 2 Teachers, Student Council President, and Vice President). Any long-term illness or extenuating circumstances will be handled at the discretion of the school’s attendance committee.

Any exceptions to the items cited above shall be approved by the Board of Education.

Each principal may have written policies which further detail procedures for making up work, reporting absence, etc.