RCPS MANDATED ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES 1. For the purposes of the state mandated attendance policy, the following will be considered excused absences, tardies and checkouts: a) A written excuse from the doctor or dentist may be presented to the administration. b) A written excuse from a parent regarding the death of a family member or friend must be presented to the administration. c) All-day appearance in court (with written excuse provided by the Truancy Supervisor or court official). Students who are in court for half days or less will be expected to attend school the remainder of the day. d) Religious holidays (must be organized religion and student must provide documentation of holiday observances by that religion). 2

Parent may verify the student’s inability to attend school. No more than six (6 parent days) will be accepted when verified by parents/guardian. Parents may call or come to the school to complete verification for the absences. This verification (documentation) should be submitted within 10 school days of each absence. a) Daily phone calls are to be made to ascertain the reason for absence. b) At the 5th unexcused absence, a plan to resolve the pupil’s nonattendance shall be made and shall include documentation of the reasons for nonattendance. c) At the 6th unexcused absence a conference will be held with the parent, student, attendance official and other school personnel to resolve issues related to the pupil’s nonattendance. d) At the 7th unexcused absence, the student can be referred to the Truancy Prevention team. The team may file a petition with the Juvenile Court for a Child In Need of SupervisionTruancy (CHINS).