AR 5113Absences and Excuses

When students who have been absent return to school, they must present a satisfactory explanation verifying the reason for the absence. The following methods may be used to verify student absences:

1. Written note from parent/guardian or parent-representative.
2. Conversation, in person or by telephone, between the verifying employee and the student's parent/guardian or parent representative.
3. Visit to the student's home by the verifying employee.
4. The student may verify their absence if they are eighteen years of age or older and are living independently.
5. The Principal may verify a student's absence if they are under the age of eighteen and are living independently.
6. Any other reasonable method which establishes the fact that the student was actually absent for the reasons stated. A written recording shall be made, including information outlined above.

Prearranged Absences

When students contemplate absence for personal reasons, their parents/guardians should write the Principal to ask that the expected absence be excused. The Principal or designee may deny the request if he/she believes that the absence would be educationally harmful to the student or set a poor example in matters of school attendance for the student or other students. If the request is denied, reasons will be given.

Truancy

Unless a child subject to compulsory attendance laws is exempted, excluded or expelled from school attendance, each five days of unlawful absence constitutes a separate violation of Alaska Statute.

The parents/guardians shall be notified of any unexcused absence of their child and informed of state compulsory attendance laws. Any student found in violation of District truancy policy shall be referred to the intervention team in the school in which they are enrolled for the purpose of developing strategies in resolving truant behavior.

The following options shall be made available to parents when considering disciplinary action for student truancy:

Under Option #1, a first time offender shall be required to have their parent attend class with them period for period for the time they have missed. Parents selecting this option shall be encouraged to see that the shadowing is completed the day following the violation. The student will only be allowed on campus during academic school hours and will not be allowed to participate in any school activities until the parent shadowing is completed. Second and third offenses shall be multiplied by a factor of two and three.

Under Option #2, a first time offender shall be assigned two hours of community service for each truant period (an average six period day would equal 12 hours of community service). The community service shall be completed outside of school time and in a timely fashion. The student will only be allowed on campus during academic school hours and will not be allowed to participate in any school activities until the service is completed. Second and third offenses shall be multiplied by a factor of two and three.

Building administrators shall have the latitude to exercise other disciplinary alternatives to truancy violations including but not limited to detention, in school and out of school suspension, if a student and/or parent fail to successfully fulfill the above stated options or if a student becomes a chronic violator.

( cf. 5144 - Discipline )

Legal Reference:

ALASKASTATUTES
14.30.010 When attendance compulsory
14.30.020 Violations
14.30.030- 14.30.050 Report of violations and procedures