JH - Student Absences and Excuses

File: JH

 

Student Absences and Excuses


Regular and punctual school attendance is essential for success in school.  The Committee does recognize that parent/guardians of children attending our schools have special rights as well as responsibilities, one of which is to ensure that their children attend school regularly, in accordance with state law.

Therefore, students may be excused temporarily from school attendance for the following reasons:
  1. Illness or quarantine.
  2. Bereavement or serious illness in family.
  3. Weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the child.
  4. For observance of major religious holidays.
  5. Those excused, documented absences as found in  Franklin Public School Handbooks.
A child may also be excused for other exceptional reasons with approval of the school administrator.

Accordingly, parent/guardians will provide an explanation for the absence or tardiness of a child.  This will be required in advance for types of absences where advance notice is possible.

In instances of chronic irregular, or unlawful absence, the school administration may request a physician's statement certifying such absences to be justifiable and/or may refer the parent to the court system or other state agencies for appropriate action.
The school district does not support student absences for family or personal vacations. The school will not be responsible for providing study material, nor will the staff be responsible for make-up or after-school study sessions.
 
LEGAL REFS.:    M.G.L. 76: 1; 76:16; 76:20
REF.:           Franklin Public School Handbooks
 
Reviewed; revised:  11/21/2013
Reviewed, no revisions 8/18/2016