Attendance
Attendance Matters
Achievement is directly related to academic learning time - even at the kindergarten level. Children are expected to be at school and on time every day. Student absences should be reported in writing to your child's school office within 30 minutes of the start of the school day. For more information on attendance guidelines, please contact your child's school.
NEW INDIANA STATE LAW
Key Milestones for Unexcused Absences
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5 Unexcused Absences: Public schools are required to hold an attendance conference not later than 10 instructional days (instead of five instructional days) after the student's fifth absence.
- 10 Unexcused Absences: Public schools are legally obligated to send legal notices regarding a student's truant status and file a referral with the Marion County Prosecutor's Office after the 10th unexcused absence.
Habitual Truancy
By law, public schools refer truant students to the Marion County Prosecutor's Office. Potential charges for parents or guardians include:
- Class B Misdemeanor for failure to ensure school attendance.
- Level 6 Felony for educational neglect.
Absence Types
Excused Absences
Absences regarded as legitimate reasons for being out of school as per school policy. These will not be counted towards Habitual Truancy.
- Illness reported to the school by a parent/guardian.
- Illness verified by a note from a doctor.
- Family funeral.
- Religious observance.
- Other situations as defined under Board Policy 5200.
Unexcused Absences
Any absence not covered under the definition of excused or exempt.
- Skipping school or class.
- Family vacation outside of school breaks.
- Absence without a valid reason or documentation.
Exempt Absences
Any absences required or protected by state or federal law. These do not count against a student's attendance record.
- Jury duty.
- Election service.
- Military obligations.
- Foster care court proceedings.
- Serving as a legislative page.
What We Can Do & How You Can Help
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Report Everything: Always report all absences to your student's school in writing with a reason.
- Stay Proactive: Make school a priority. Stay engaged, help your children maintain daily routines, and try not to schedule dental and non-urgent medical appointments during the school day.
- Support System: We are here to help. Counselors and Social Workers can provide necessary resources and support.
- Communication: The school will inform you of your child's attendance status via notification letters when they reach 5, 9, and 10 days of unexcused absences.
Is it Excused or Unexcused?
The School Board defines specific criteria for whether a student's absence is considered excused or unexcused. Below is the breakdown of these categories as outlined in the district policy.
Excused Absences
The Board considers the following as legitimate reasons for an excused absence:
-
Illness or Accident: Must be verified by a note from either a parent or a physician.
- Professional Appointments: Includes visits to a doctor, dentist, or counselor; requires a signed statement from the professional.
- Required Court Attendance: Absences due to a subpoena or a formal court order.
- Death in the Family: Includes the death of an immediate family member or a relative.
- Religious Observance: Observation or celebration of a bona fide religious holiday, verified by a note from a parent.
- Military Families: Absences related specifically to the deployment or return of a military-connected family member.
Unexcused Absences
The Board considers any absence not covered under the excused reasons listed above to be unexcused. Common examples include:
-
Lack of Communication: A student stays home sick, but the parent does not call the school or provide a written note.
- Unawareness: The parent was not aware that the student was absent from school.
- Vacations: Family vacations taken during instructional time.
