ATTENDANCE ( continued ) 5113
Note : The use of the state approved definitions of “ excused ” and “ unexcused ” absences are for state purposes for the reporting of truancy . Districts are not precluded from using separate definitions of such absences for their internal uses such as involving decisions on areas such as promotion and grading .
A student ’ s absence from school shall be considered excused if written documentation of the reason for the absence has been submitted within ten ( 10 ) school days of the student ’ s return to school and meets the following criteria :
A .
B .
C .
For absences one through nine , a student ’ s absences from school are considered excused when the student ’ s parent / guardian approves such absence and submits appropriate documentation ; and
A student ’ s engagement in remote classes , remote meetings , activities on time-logged electronic systems , and completion and submission of assignments , if such engagement accounts for not less than one-half of the school day during remote learning is excluded from the definitions of “ excused absence ” and “ unexcused absence .”
Absence resulting from a student enrolled in grades K-12 , taking two mental health days during the school year . Such absence is to permit the student to attend to his / her emotional and psychological well-being in lieu of attending school .
The student shall not be required to present documentation or parental / guardian consent . For purposes of school year limitation , such absence shall be identified as a “ mental health wellness day ”.
A student cannot take these mental health days during consecutive school days .
Such documentation includes a signed note from the student ’ s parent / guardian , a signed note from a school official that spoke in person with the parent / guardian regarding the absence , or a note confirming the absence by the school nurse or by a licensed medical professional , as appropriate . Documentation should explain the nature of and the reason for the absence as well as the length of the absence . Separate documentation must be submitted for each incidence of absenteeism .
D .
For the tenth absence and all absences thereafter , a student ’ s absences from school are considered excused for the following reasons :
1 . Student illness a licensed medical professional to be deemed excused , regardless of the length of absence ); 2 . Student ’ s observance of a religious holiday ; 3 . Death in the student ’ s family or other emergency beyond the control of the student ’ s family ; 4 . Mandated court appearances ( additional documentation required ); 5 . The lack of transportation that is normally provided by a district other than the one the student attends ( no parental documentation is required for this reason ); or 6 . Extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by district administrators and to be in accordance with Connecticut State Department of Education guidance .
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