Attendance Plan

School Success Goes Hand in Hand with Being in School Every Day! Did You Know?

• Many absences, even in kindergarten, can cause children to fall behind in school.
• Missing just a day or two every month can make it harder to learn to read by the third grade.
• Students with too many absences struggle to catch up, even with take-home assignments.
• Attending school regularly helps children feel better about school and themselves.

What Can You Do? 

• Develop a regular bedtime and morning routine.
• Avoid missing school unless a child is truly sick and seek help if chronic illness is a challenge. Check with our district nurse or office staff if you are not sure about when to keep your child at home due to illness.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school support staff, or other parents for advice on how to make him/her feel comfortable and excited about learning.

Communication of Absences to the School

Parents and students are jointly responsible for regular attendance at school. All absences are considered unexcused until the parent communicates with the school regarding the student’s absence, and the absence is resolved by the school staff. Parents must excuse each day of their student’s absence by calling the attendance line at 801-826-7913.

Scheduled Pre-Approved Leave includes: an illness, which may be either mental or physical, regardless of whether the school-age child or parent provides documentation from a medical professional; mental or behavioral health of the school-age child; a family death; an approved school activity; an absence permitted by a school age minor’s individualized education program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan; or any other valid excuse approved by the local school board.

• Students with valid excused absences will be expected to complete make-up work, however it is their responsibility to obtain the make-up work from their teachers. Students with unexcused absences may be able to make-up work subject to approval by the principal.
  • A student’s academic grade should not be penalized for absences or tardies.

• Teachers will be responsible for providing students with make-up work (upon request) and identifying a reasonable deadline for completion.

Procedure for Education/Vacation Leave 

Scheduled Pre-approved Education Leave is considered a valid excused absence. A student may be allowed up to ten (10) days for education leave in a given school year, if prior arrangements have been made with the school for the student to make up his/her homework. An education leave form shall be provided to the school administration in advance of the education leave. Additional days for education leave are subject to approval by the School Performance Director. Keep in mind though that excused vacation days still count toward the school goal of missing 9 or fewer days per school year.

Unexcused Absence: Any absence without a valid excuse. Students with unexcused absences may be able to make-up work subject to approval by the principal.