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Written explanation of absence
Parents shall furnish a written explanation for the absence of a child. A legal excuse is the parent's only protection form truancy action. In the case for truancy action, the burden of proof is upon the parent to show that the child was properly excused. In cases of chronic irregular absence, school authorities may request a physician's statement showing such absences to be justifiable. All excuses shall contain the date, child's name, date or dates of absences and reason for absence, and parent's or guardian's signature. The mere fact that a parent has sent a written explanation to the school does not necessarily mean the absence is legally excused.
Excused absence refers to the absence for any one of a number of legal reasons:
Unexcused or illegal absence is the absence of a pupil due to parental neglect. Visiting, away from home, had to go shopping, or overslept are absences clearly due to parents not fully sensing their responsibility and should not be classified as an excused absence. Personal reason will not be considered as a reason for an excused absence. Reason must explained clearly or it will be marked unexcused or illegal until an explanation is given.
If a student forgets to turn in an excuse, he/she will be given three school days after returning to present the excuse. Parents of students may verify an excuse over the telephone with the understanding that the written excuse will be brought in within the state-mandated three-day period. If the excuse is not brought in within three days of returning to school, the absence will be considered illegal.
Enforcement of Compulsory Attendance
A FIRST OFFENSE consists of three or more days of absence of a pupil without a legal excuse. A notice will be served on the parents by the school.
A SECOND OFFENSE is the next session of school missed by a pupil during the same year without a legal reason. Notice for this offense will be served by the District Magistrate, and the parents will be fined plus court cost.
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