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Attendance Matters!

Posted Date: 9/11/24 (8:00 AM)
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September is School Attendance Awareness Month! We encourage everyone to be aware of the importance of daily attendance and to follow the MMSD Board Policy 6.200. You can find the full policy by clicking here. This week our focus will be on excused absences. 

What is an Excused Absence?
An Excused Absence is a legitimate reason for a student to miss school, which the school acknowledges as acceptable. Proper documentation, such as a parent or doctor's note, is typically required for these absences to be considered excused. These notes should be provided to the school on the day the student returns to class. Here are the common reasons for an excused absence:

  • Personal Illness/Injury: A student is too sick or injured to attend school.
  • Illness of an Immediate Family Member: A family member's illness requires the student's attention or presence.
  • Death in the Family: Time needed to grieve and attend services for a deceased family member.
  • Extreme Weather Circumstances: Severe weather makes it unsafe for the student to travel to school.
  • Religious Observances: Absences for recognized religious holidays or events.
  • Pregnancy: Absences related to pregnancy or childbirth.
  • School-Endorsed Activities: Participation in activities officially approved or sponsored by the school.
  • Summons, Subpoena, or Court Order: A student is required to appear in court or fulfill other legal obligations.
  • Emergency Circumstances: Any situation that, in the judgment of the principal, creates an emergency over which the student has no control.

Additional Notes:

  • Late Check-In or Early Check-Out: Students who arrive late or leave early will be marked as unexcused until a formal parent or doctor note is provided. The note on the sign-in/sign-out sheet will not serve as an official excuse.
  • Communication: If your child is absent or needs to arrive late/leave early, provide a parent or doctor's note to excuse the absence. You can email or send pictures of doctor's notes directly to the appropriate school, or you can respond to the ParentSquare notification at the end of the day:
Note: You may also send notes with your child; however, MMSD is not responsible if the notes do not reach the office.

Let's Work Together for Success!

We understand that situations may arise, but consistent attendance is key to your child’s success. Let’s work together to ensure he/she has the best opportunity to thrive!