Definitions:
Excused Absence: A written explanation provided to the school by a parent/guardian or medical professional outlining the dates of absence and rationale for a student’s absence.
Unexcused/Unlawful Absence: Any absence from school that is not accompanied by a written explanation from a parent/guardian or medical professional.
How to Excuse Your Student’s Absence From School:
Upon your student’s return to school you must provide an absence note. All absence notes must contain your student’s name, the date(s) of absence, and a brief explanation. Notes are accepted in three formats:
1. Email: Send an email to [email protected]
2. Handwritten: Write an absence note for your student to submit to the main office.
3. Truman App: Submit an absence note in the forms section - the Truman App can be found in your App
Store.
Absence notes must be received within 10 days of your student’s return to school.
Parents and Guardians may excuse up to the first 10 absences in a school year. After ten absences only an excuse from a licensed medical practitioner will be accepted.
Medical notes must contain specific dates of absence.
*Please don’t keep your student at home for minor ailments.
Acceptable Excuses for Absence:
Illness (mental or physical)
Quarantine
Recovery from an accident
Required court attendance
Death in the family
District canceled bus
Religious holidays/observances (Board approved)
* No more than 36 hours per school year with transportation
Family educational trips (Prior permission required)
Educational tours and trips
Educational Trips:
All absences other than illness and family emergencies must be approved in advance. At least 10 days prior to an educational trip, submit a request via the hyperlinked Trip Approval Request Form. Hard copies of the form can be obtained in the front office. Please direct all questions to [email protected].
* For more information view the attendance section in our Student Handbook.
Absenteeism Interventions:
After the 3rd unexcused absence (no note received within 10 school days), the parent/guardian will receive a warning letter from their child’s school along with an invitation to attend a School Attendance Improvement Conference.
At the School Attendance Improvement Conference, a plan will be developed to identify resources and strategies for improving the student’s attendance.
If the unexcused absences continue, referrals to an attendance program or Bucks County Children and Youth will be made.
Continued unexcused absences will result in a citation in front of a District Magistrate.
For More Information Contact:
Suzanne Skinner, Home and School Visitor
267-599-2078 or by email at: [email protected]
Leslie Rothberg, Home and School Visitor
267-599-2039 or by email at: [email protected]