Attendance and Truancy Policies
When a student is absent, the State of Alabama requires a written note on file within 3 days upon a student’s initial return to school. The student will be deemed unexcused if the parent does not explain in writing the cause of the absence.
Third unexcused absence: A parent conference will be required to discuss the attendance policy.
Fifth unexcused absence: School officials will file a truancy complaint with the juvenile court officials.
Seventh unexcused absence: School officials will sign a warrant on parents of students in elementary school.
Seven or more absences will result in contributing to a truancy charge being filed against the parent(s) or guardian(s) of all students.
Each note about attendance must contain the following information:
-Child’s full name
-Date to be excused
-Reason for absence
-Phone number to contact parent/guardian
-Signature of parent or doctor
A phone call to the school about an absence is NOT sufficient documentation.
Students are only allowed to use 7 parent excuses for the entire year. Students who are absent 18 or more days are considered chronically absent.This includes excused and unexcused absences.
