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Absence Excusal Form

Policy and Procedures

In order to increase the likelihood of academic success, it is expected that every student attend class, on time, every day. Parents and their student(s) are jointly responsible for ensuring the student’s regular attendance at school. See SLCSD Board Policy S-4 for more information. 

Codes used in PowerSchool:

  • L = up to 15 minutes late to class
  • T = more than 15 minutes late to class
  • P = Partial absence from a class for 45 minutes (or more) 
  • X = Office Excused Late (L,T,P)
  • A = Unexcused Absence: missed 45 minutes (or more) of a class period
  • E = Excused Absence (A)

Excused & Unexcused Absences: Absences must be excused (by a legal guardian) within one week of the student returning to school. Teachers must give students at least one week to make-up missed work upon the student’s return. Make-up work will not be entered into PowerSchool until the absence is excused. Absences not excused within one week, must have administrator approval to be cleared. It is the responsibility of the parent to excuse and monitor attendance in PowerSchool. Attendance - Highland High School (slcschools.org)

Extended Absences: Absences that are 10 or more consecutive days are considered “Extended Absences”, which require an approved ‘Extended Absence Form’ for absences to be excused. The student, parent, teachers, and counselor fill out the form; it then requires administrative approval (all prior to the absence). This form serves to notify the student of required homework and advanced notification of academic repercussions. Students missing more than ten days must have administrative approval or will be subject to withdrawal from Highland High. 

SLCSD Board 'Student Policy' S-4: Administrative Procedures Student Attendance and Exemption From School
Section VI. Truancy Notification and Peer Court Referral Process

A. In accordance with state law, a school administrator, his or her designee, or a truancy specialist (hereafter collectively referred to as “school administrator”) may issue a truancy notification to a student and the student’s parent for chronic unexcused absences.

B. A school/district administrator may impose administrative penalties on a school-age child who is:

  1. in grade 7 or above, unless the child is less than 12 years old; and
  2. truant.

C. The school administrator may issue a First Truancy Notification to students in grades 7 and above, who are at least 12 years old, and who have been truant at least five times during the school year.

  1. Weekly attendance reviews through PowerSchool and PowerBI will identify students who have accumulated five unexcused absences.
  2. The list should be reviewed to verify the accuracy of the information regarding student absences, and to determine whether a First Truancy Notification should be sent.
  3. Student attendance will be monitored for students who receive a truancy notification and the school administrator will implement interventions as designated in the school plan.

D. The school administrator will issue a Second Truancy Notification to students who have 10 or more days of unexcused absences.

  1. The school administrator will implement at least three interventions (see, section III.B.) as designated in the school plan.
  2. School student services council meetings and peer court may be utilized if this intervention is deemed appropriate for the student and family.

E. The school administrator will issue a Third Truancy Notification to students who have 15 or more days of unexcused absences. This notification will be sent by certified mail or verification of personal delivery.

  1. School administration will meet with parent and student to develop an attendance plan and monitor for 14 school days.

a. School administration will contact the district family school collaboration coordinator to review interventions and determine next steps if the final intervention was unsuccessful.

2. School administration and/or counselors will attempt at least one home visit prior to a court referral or a 10 day withdrawal.

3. If a student under the age of 18 continues to be absent after meeting with the school administrator, a court referral may be filed with assistance from the district family and school collaboration coordinator.