(Also refer to BOE policy 7:70) ABSENCES
A "truant" is a child subject to compulsory school attendance and who is absent without valid cause from such attendance for a school day or portion thereof. Valid causes for absence from school include illness, observance of a religious holiday, death in the immediate family, family emergency, situations beyond the student's control as determined by the Board of Education, or such other circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent for the safety or health of the student.
It is expected that parents or guardians will make reasonable efforts to ensure the regular attendance of their children, consistent with Section 26-1 of the Illinois School Code, and to inform the school of any absences and their causes. It is expected Bloomingdale SD 13 will monitor each student's attendance and inform parents or guardians of any attendance problems, and that provision (Section 26-1) applying to local school districts will be observed.
CHRONIC TRUANCY
A student who is absent without valid cause for 10% or more of the previous 180 regular attendance days is defined as a chronic or habitual truant, per Section 26a of the School Code of Illinois.
Referral of Chronic Truants
Bloomingdale SD 13 will refer chronic truants to the DuPage Regional Office of Education in accordance with current procedures established by the DuPage County Truant officer.
DEFINING ABSENCES
Excused absences
-- Each time a student is absent, state law requires that the school principal decide whether the absence is excused or unexcused. Absences will be considered excused for reasons of 1) personal illness; 2) quarantine; 3) bereavement; 4) family emergencies; 5) observance of religious holidays; and 6) requests in writing, approved in advance by the school principal.
-- In the case of excused absences, students are allowed at least one school day for each day absent to make up class assignments. The day the student returns should not be counted and should be considered a day of "grace." In the case of prearranged absences, parents and/or students should assume the responsibility for requesting class assignments.
Unexcused absences
-- Unexcused absences will be addressed by a series of parent contacts by teachers, counselors/social workers, and school administrators. Our aim is to firmly establish solid attendance habits for all students. Unexcused absences are the responsibility of parents, and parents may be subject to penalties under state and local truancy laws.
-- An unexcused absence is one for which there has not been prior approval or which is not considered valid. The school administration is authorized to make decisions and grant exceptions to this policy.
Vacations
The District strongly discourages family vacations during periods when school is in session. Vacations can disrupt a student's schooling and may create instructional problems. Students absent for more than 10 consecutive days will be "dropped" from the school attendance roll. Those students must then register again to return to the District. Parents planning extended absences should contact the school administration in advance of scheduling a vacation during school months.
TARDIES
Students are considered tardy if they are not in their classrooms when morning announcements are read. There are excused tardies and unexcused tardies. School principals will make these judgments in accordance with the policy on attendance/absences. Excessive tardiness will result in consequences.