Stoutland Elementary Attendance Policy
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Missouri Law:
The Missouri Compulsory School Attendance Law
(R.S.MO.167.031), requires that all students be in regular attendance.
Importance of School Attendance:
Success in school demands regular school
attendance. Educational research
has revealed a close relationship between poor attendance habits and classroom
failure. Additionally, many
educational hands-on activities occur in class that cannot be made up.
The best schoolwork cannot be done unless attendance is regular and
punctual.
Excuses
for Being Absent: We
encourage parents to see that students are in school every day unless hindered
by the following reasons:
- Personal
illness
- Death
of close friends or relatives.
- Serious
illness of a family member
- Professional
appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the regular school day, such
as dental or doctor appointments. When possible, appointments should
be made outside the school day.
What do I do if my child is going to be
absent?
- Please
call the office when your child is going to be absent.
You are also encouraged to maintain written records and any
documentation you receive that may account for your child’s absence.
It would be a good idea to provide us with copies of doctor’s
excuses and other similar documentation when possible.
- Request
by telephone or note before 10:00 a.m. your child’s daily homework.
Homework can be picked up in the office between 1:30 and 3:30 p.m.
Verified
Absences: Parents
are requested to call the school to verify their child’s absence.
Doctor’s notes and other written verification may be required.
Unverified
Absences: An
unverified absence is when your child misses school and you have failed to tell
us why he/she was gone. After your
child accumulates five unverified absences, we will send you a letter requesting
you to set up an appointment with the counselor to discuss your child ’s
school attendance.
If
your child accumulates ten unverified absences, we will send you another later
requesting you to meet with the principal to discuss your child’s school
attendance.
What
happens if my child has a high rate of absenteeism?
It
is considered extreme absenteeism if your child accumulates 10 unverified
absences; we will refer the matter to the county juvenile office, the
county prosecuting attorney’s office, or the Division of Family Services.
Educational neglect charges can and will be filed against the parent/guardian in
issues of extreme absence.
In any situation of high absenteeism whether the
absences are verified or unverified, summer school
and other similar interventions may be required.
If summer school is required the student will be required to be in
attendance at a 90% rate.