Absence Reporting Instructions

Absences and Attendance

Absences should be called into the attendance line at 309.284.2000 on the day the child is absent. This is a 24 hour line. Please include the following information when leaving a message:

 

  • Student Name

  • Date of Absence

  • Reason for Absence

  • Will homework/missing work be picked up? (Available in the office between 8:00 AM and 3:40 PM if arrangements have been made with the teacher)

  • Lunch Choice (if your child will be returning before their lunch hour and need a hot lunch)

 

If you have questions about attendance in general, please email Ashley Feilner at [email protected].

 

If your student arrives after the start of the school day, the students must check in at the office and be signed in by the attendance clerk. If your student needs to leave early, the student will check out at the office and be signed out by a parent or someone who is indicated in PowerSchool. 

 

Absences must be reported to the office. Solely telling the classroom teacher is not a sufficient means of communication. 

 

Absence from school can seriously hamper success in school both academically and socially. For this reason, we ask that appointments be made before school, after school, or during non-academic minutes whenever possible. The Illinois Education Reform Act of 1985 requires schools to make a reasonable effort to notify parents when students are absent, if the school has not been notified in advance of the absence. If a call has not been received regarding a student’s absence by 9:00 AM, the school is required to call parents. If we do not hear from the parents when there is an absence, then we will document the absence as an unexcused absence.

 

Below is a list of the types of absences, and the coding system we use to categorize these absences.

 

*Excused: An excused absence is a valid and authorized (by parent and school) absence. Examples include:

  • Personal illness and/or physical disablement

  • Medical Appointments

  • Critical illness or death in the immediate family 

  • Religious observances 

 

Mental Health Day: An excused absence due to the mental or behavioral health of a student (105 ILCS 5/26-2a). These are limited to 5 per year without a doctor’s note.  

 

Limited Excused: A special group of absences that are limited in number (5), but reported as Excused Absences. Absences beyond that number will be counted as unexcused. Examples of Limited Excused Absences are:

  • Home/Family Emergencies

  • Pre-Approved Vacations

  • Non-Participants Going to Athletic Contents 

  • Death of a Friend

  • Court Appearance

  • Religious Trips/Retreats

 

Unexcused: An absence from school without a valid cause for a school day or a portion of a school day (105 ILCS 5/26-2a). Students are expected and required to make up all work that is missed during an unexcused absence. Examples of unexcused absences include:

  • Babysitting Issues 

  • Leaving school grounds without permission

  • Missing the bus or lack of transportation

  • Shopping

  • Limited Excused Absences beyond the specified amount (5)

 

*Limited Excused Absences must be prearranged at least 5 school days before the first day of the absence, by completing and returning a Limited Excused Absence Form. These forms are available online by clicking the Parent Tab on the district website (Parent > Parent Resources). Requirements for completing missed assignments or homework must be pre-arranged with the teacher. If a parent requests work ahead of time, and if the teacher agrees to prepare assignments in advance of the absence, the student must return the assignments on the first day back to school in order to receive full credit. 

 

Chronic Absenteeism: When a student has missed 10% or more of the school days per year it is considered chronic absenteeism by the state. This includes an absence for any reason (excused or unexcused). A letter from the school will be sent at the end of each quarter if your student has reached chronic absenteeism status. This letter will be sent regardless of the type of absences the student has logged. The parents of students who are in violation of the district’s attendance policies may be referred to a school social worker or the Tazewell County Truancy Officer.

 

Make Up Work: When students are absent, regardless of the reason, it is important that they make up the work they missed in a timely manner. Students and teachers should work with parents to determine the best way to make up the work they miss. In general, students are given two days to make up work for the first day absent and one day for each subsequent day of absences. 

 

After School & Evening Events: A student who was absent during the school day should not be in attendance at any after school or evening events sponsored by the school district. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • After School Clubs

  • Open House

  • Carnival

  • Music Programs

  • PTO Events 

  • Athletic Events

 

Tardies: A student who arrives after the tardy bell (8:20 AM) will be assigned an unexcused tardy, unless the parent can provide a valid and authorized reason for the student’s tardiness.