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ENFIELD BOARD OF EDUCATION ENFIELD , CONNECTICUT

Students 5113

Attendance Policy K-12

Connecticut law requires that children attend school regularly during the hours and terms that the public school is in session , unless specifically exempted from attendance by law . The Superintendent of Schools shall establish such procedures as deemed necessary to determine the cause of habitual truancy , including medical verification for excessive absence , and shall cooperate with other private and governmental agencies in correcting the causes thereof .

Experience indicates that regular school attendance is important for school success . These regulations reflect our belief that classroom learning activities are an essential part of the curriculum for all students and are intended to reduce tardiness and absence from class .

The Connecticut Board of Education adopted new definitions for an absence to be considered excused ( see table below ). It is important to note that while the first nine absences in a school year can be deemed excused for any reason the parent or guardian provides , the tenth and each subsequent absence establish a more stringent and specific set of reasons for the absence to qualify as excused .

In cases of an excused absence other than family-initiated travel , appropriate provisions will be made by school staff regarding assistance with missed assignments , homework and tests . When an excused absence is the result of family-initiated travel , teachers are under no obligation to provide advance assignments or to review work missed during the period of absence . However , students must be allowed to take make-up tests . The student ’ s Principal / Assistant Principal must be notified in writing of extended absences due to family-initiated travel .

The State Board of Education defines two levels of criteria for an absence to be considered an excused absence ( see table below ).

Level Total # of Days Absent *

1 One through nine

2 Ten and above

Acceptable Reasons for a Student Absence to be Considered Excused

• Any reason that the student ’ s parent or guardian approves .

• Student illness ( Note : to be deemed excused , an appropriately licensed medical professional must verify all ). The lack of transportation that is normally provided by a district other than the one the student attends ( parental documentation is not required for this reason ).

Documentation Required Within 10 Days Parent or guardian note or phone call

Parent or guardian note and in some cases additional documentation ( see details of specific reason ).