There are situations that cause children to be absent from school.  However, once enrolled in a public school, every student must attend school every day, every class, on time, unless lawfully excused by illness, medical appointments, religious holidays, funerals, and extreme family emergencies (death, house fire, etc.) Also, please note not all absences will be excused

• Parents must call the school every day if their child is not in school to explain the reason for their absence.
• If a phone call is not possible, students must bring a note to school the day they return, explaining the reason for their absence.
• Students and parents share the responsibility of consistent school attendance.
• Please call the school if you have questions about your child’s attendance.
• Students are responsible for collecting and completing all school work he or she misses while absent.

Examples of Unexcused Absences

• Overslept
• Missed school bus
• Suspended from the school bus
• Staying home to babysit
• Weather too hot/cold
• Family vacation
• Help parents pack moving

After 3 consecutive days, homework can be arranged with the child's teacher for pick-up.

A maximum of 7 sick days per school year can be excused by a parent phone call or note.  After 7 days, a doctor’s note or the school nurse’s determination that a student was “too sick to be in school” will be needed to excuse additional absent days for illness.

If a student misses 5 days of school for reasons not excused by Minnesota state law, the student and their parents will be referred to the Ramsey County Truancy Intervention Program (TIP).  When referred to this program, students and parents will be required to attend meetings at school to learn ways of improving student attendance or court hearings to face legal consequences for truancy.

Truancy Intervention Project (TIP) Steps: 

1. Alert Letter to parents/guardians (3 or more unexcused absences) 

2. County Attorney Parent Meeting (6 or more unexcused absences) 

3. In-School Attendance Contract (School staff meets with parents and students) 

4. Student Attendance Review Team (SART) hearing (9 or more unexcused days)

TARDY POLICY

Students arriving late for school must obtain an ADMIT SLIP from the office.

HLCMS-Master Schedule Bell

School Attendance Matters