2005-2006

Student/Parent

Handbook
Excused Absences
Unexcused Absences
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Regulations Governing Absence from School
Compulsory education in Ohio has been established by law for many years. Every child of compulsory school age shall attend a school that conforms to the minimum standards prescribed by the State of Ohio. (Section 3321.03 Ohio Revised Code)

Compulsory school age in Ohio is between six (6) and eighteen (18) for the purpose of compulsory school attendance. (Section 3321.01 Ohio Revised Code) Kindergarten attendance is also mandatory.

Each parent, guardian, or other person having charge of any child of compulsory school age must send such child to school for the full time the school attended is in session. (Section 3321.04 Ohio Revised Code) According to these regulations a student may be given excused absence from school for the following reasons only:
Excused Absences
  1. Personal Illness - The principal of the school may require the certificate of a physician if he/she deems it advisable. If a student is really ill, he/she should stay out of school for his/her own welfare as well as for that of other students. However, parents should make sure students are really ill and not just indisposed towards school.

  2. Students with a health condition that causes repeated absences are to provide the school office with an explanation of the condition from a registered physician.

  3. Illness in the family - The absence under this condition shall not apply to children under fourteen (14) years of age. The student should not be kept out of school for this reason unless there is an absolute need for his/her services. Proof may be required.

  4. Funerals or Death of a Relative - A reasonable amount of time will be allowed without penalty to prepare for and attend funerals of relatives or close friends.

  5. Quarantine - The absence of a child under this condition is limited to the time of the quarantine as fixed by the proper health officials.

  6. Work at home - The absence of the student for this reason can only be excused in case of extreme emergency. If the student is kept home for this reason, permission must be granted by the principal prior to the absence.

  7. Religious Holidays - Recognized religious holidays are considered valid reason for absence, but must be counted as a day of absence for attendance purposes. On special days (not recognized religious holidays) where special services are held outside of school hours, students are expected to attend such services before or after school.

  8. Medical and Dental Appointments - These appointments should be arranged outside of school hours if at all possible. However, they are for the purpose of maintaining good health and will be considered necessary if they cannot be arranged outside of school hours providing the school is advised of the appointment preceding the anticipated absence.

  9. Vacation - Up to 5 days may be excused. Parents can help promote their child's educational growth by making every effort to schedule family vacations to coincide with school vacations. However, should circumstances arise that will require taking your child out when school is in session, please contact the school. It is the student's responsibility to make arrangements for the make-up of work. If at all possible, students should complete the schoolwork prior to leaving on vacation or should make arrangements to complete work within 2 days after returning from vacation.

  10. Students who are excusably absent for more than 3 days in a grading period, regardless of the reasons, will be considered "frequently absent". If there is a pattern of frequent absence for "illness", the parents will be required to provide a statement from a physician describing the health condition that is causing the frequent illness and the treatment that is being provided to rectify the condition. Without such a statement, the student's permanent attendance record will indicate "frequent unexplained illness", a possible sign of poor work ethic and irresponsible behavior.

  11. During the next grading period, a "frequently-absent" student will be placed on "attendance watch" to monitor whether or not the pattern continues. If it continues, the student may be denied the opportunity to participate in non-curricular school activities and events and a notation made on his/her grading record concerning his/her frequent absence from school. Such a report may be provided post secondary institutions and/or possible employers.
Unexcused Absences
Some examples of unexcused absences include, but are not limited to:
  1. Oversleeping
  2. Shopping Trips
  3. Hunting, Fishing or Similar Reasons
  4. Personal business
The Putnam County Schools policy and procedures in accordance with State Attendance Law provides attendance guidelines for parent(s), guardian(s), and school officials as follows:

The primary responsibility for a student's attendance rests with his/her parent(s) or guardian(s). The parent/guardian, or their designee must notify school personnel when their child is absent by phone and/or by written note before 8:30 a.m.

If the parent/guardian fail in their responsibility to notify school authorities on any day the schools are in session that their child is absent, the principal or the principal's designee is required to make a reasonable attempt to notify by phone the student's parent(s), custodial parent, guardian, legal custodian or other dependable adult so designated by the parent(s) that the child is absent. A written notice shall be mailed that the student was absent when the principal or the principal's designee was unable to make notification. Parent(s)/ guardian(s) shall provide the school with their current home and/or work telephone numbers and home addresses, as well as emergency telephone numbers.

An explanation of each past absence shall be made in writing by the parent or guardian to the school on the day the student returns to school following an absence if the school was not notified of the reason for the absence prior to the child's return. This excuse should include the date or dates of absence, reason for absence, and the signature of parent or guardian.
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Last update - 3/12/2003