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Hardy County Board of Education Attendance Policy JB-R

Why a revised attendance policy? Attendance is critical to a student's success. The State Department of Education Policy (4110) sets the guidelines all counties must follow. This policy contains state requirements that the county policy must address. The Hardy County attendance policy was developed and reviewed throughout the spring of 2000.

Is a doctor's note required? NO! The policy, just as last year, provides that excuses from Health Care professionals and absences due to death in the family are counted as "excused absences". Of course, parents may keep children home when they are ill and do not see a doctor. When the child returns they should bring a note - just as in the past. These will be recorded as "Parent/Guardian Excused".

What does "Parent/Guardian Excused" mean? Excuses of this type will be recorded and kept on file. They are very important. If a child exceeds the limit (20 days in K-8 and 7 days per semester in 9-12) for absences, the reasons will be reviewed. If the records show that there were appropriate notes and excuses-doctor or parent/guardian-then the attendance policy will not go into effect. The child will be "wavered" for the year.

What does a "waiver" mean? A child can receive a waiver if there are sufficient notes to show that the absences were covered by appropriate excuses. A child may receive two waivers in grades K-4, two waivers in grades 5-8 and two semester waivers in grades 9-12.

When would a child not get a waiver? If the student exceeds the number of days and there are no notes, no excuses, and no efforts on the part of parents to verify absences. If a waiver is denied at the school level it can be appealed.

What happens if my child loses the note or excuse? Accidents happen. Schools have been asked to work with children and parents in getting the notes in and recorded. A parent can check at the school to determine the status of all absences as recorded on the attendance system. If there is a mistake it can, and will, be corrected. Teachers, especially at the elementary level, will be asked to regularly check with students to see if they have notes upon their return to school.

What about days when my child can not make it to school due to weather, road conditions, etc? These will be reviewed but should not be counted as an unexcused absence and should not be counted toward the attendance policy. Please send a note explaining what happened when your child does return to school.

What if I have other questions? Please contact your school principal. If they cannot answer the question it will be sent on to the county Attendance Director. All of these people are there to help.