Attendance Procedures

Since there is a positive relationship between regular attendance and academic success, it is of the utmost importance that students be in class. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential if students are to make the most of educational opportunities that the school offers. Parents of students or those having legal custody are responsible for their children’s regular attendance.

All students are required by law to be in attendance at school each day that school is officially in session. The following procedure for reporting absences should be used:

Parents will call the school prior to 7:45 a.m. to report absences. In most cases a recording device will be used.
       
The following information is necessary:

Date
Student’s name (please spell the last name slowly)
Grade
Reason for absence (excused absences are illness, observation of certain religious holidays, a death in the family or medical or dental appointments that can not be arranged outside of school hours) 
         
If a student is absent and the parent has not called in, school personnel will attempt to contact the parents at home or at work. If the attempt to contact the parent is unsuccessful, the school will then attempt to contact the emergency numbers that have been designated on the emergency card. If no one can be reached, the school administrator will be notified and he/she will determine what further action is necessary. This procedure is being used to ensure the safety of our students.

Students arriving to school late must report to the office before attending class. If the student has been reported absent in the morning and decides to return to school in the afternoon, they must report to the office upon returning.

Removing students from school for vacations is strongly discouraged. If such a situation is unavoidable, school personnel should be informed as soon as possible. Students will be responsible for all work missed and it may not be practical or feasible for teachers to provide work for students in advance.

School personnel track attendance, both absences and tardies. The school will contact parents when the number of absences become a concern. If absences continue after  contact is made, school personnel may request a parent conference.  Excessive absences will be brought to the attention of the county truancy officer.

To report absences please call the following telephone numbers:

Beebe - 420-6334
Ellsworth - 420-6340
Elmwood - 420-6343 or 420-6888
Highlands - 420-6534
Kingsley - 420-3212
Maplebrook - 420-6383
Meadow Glens - 420-3203
Mill Street - 420-6355
Naper - 420-6347
Prairie - 420-6350
Ranch View - 420-6576
River Woods - 420-6631
Scott - 420-6478
Steeple Run - 420-6387
Jefferson - 420-4747                                                                                                 Kennedy - 848-5636                                                                                                   Lincoln - 420-6370
Madison - 420-5466
Washington - 420-6880                                                                                               Central - 420-6966
North - 420-6982

    
Please keep students home in the following situations:

A fever that causes chills, sweating or muscle aches, or a temperature of 100 degrees or over (students must be fever free for 24 hours before returning to school)

Vomiting or diarrhea

Head lice or nits

Red or pink eyes, or drainage from eyes (a note from the physician will be necessary for a student to return to school unless condition has resolved)

A rash or skin condition not diagnosed by a physician

Strep infection (students must receive 24 hours of antibiotic therapy and have no fever for the preceding 24 hours before returning to school)

Chicken Pox (students must remain home until all pox are scabbed over).