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
1
2
Total # of
Days
Absent*
One through
nine
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
student illness absences, regardless of
the absence’s length).
Student’s observance of a religious holiday.
Death in the student’s family or other
emergency beyond the control of the
student’s family.
Mandated court appearances
(additional documentation required).
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).
Extraordinary educational opportunities
pre-approved by district administrators.
(Opportunities must meet certain criteria.
See below for details).
Documentation
Required within 10
Days
Parent or guardian
note only.
Parent or guardian
note and in some
cases additional
documentation (see
details of specific
reason).
* Note: The total number of days absent includes both excused and unexcused absences.
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