Attendance Policy

• Milton Elementary: 742-7517
• Montandon Elementary: 523-3050
• White Deer Elementary: 568-1903
• Middle School: 742-9103
• Senior High: 742-9147

If an excuse from the parent or guardian is not submitted upon return to school, such absence will be classified as unexcused or illegal until an excuse is presented. The excuse should be submitted within five school days of the absence.
All work missed during an excused or unexcused absence must be completed.

After two or more days of absence, parents can request assignments through the school office.
Please allow one full day for materials to be collected.

The following reasons for absence shall be considered valid:

• Illness/quaratine
• Serious illness or death in the immediate family
• Emergency medical or dental attention
• Absences approved in advance by building principal
• Authorized religious holidays
• Required court attendance

The following are not excusable in accord with state law:

• Truancy
• Educational trips not approved in advance
• Missing the school bus
• Shopping
• Babysitting
• Gainful employment
• Absences for personal reasons other than specified emergencies.

If a student must be excused during the school day, the procedure is:

• The student should present to the office a written note signed by the parent. This should be done before school starts in the morning. In case of doctor and dentist appointments, the note should include the name of the doctor or dentist and the time of the appointment.
• When the request is approved, the student is given a permit with the time for leaving the building.
• If school is still in session when the appointment is finished, the student should return to school promptly and report to the office before going to class. In an emergency situation, a telephone call may be accepted; however, a written note must follow.

NOTE: Parents or a designated adult must report to the appropriate elementary school office to pick up the student.
Students are not sent outside to an adult waiting in a car.

Parents who wish to obtain their child's release from school for family trips, family business, or other family activities
must complete an educational trip request obtained from the building principal prior to the planned absence.

Telephone requests are considered only in case of extreme emergency, and a written note must follow. Parents must define the nature of the activity, its duration, and its purpose. No request is honored for simply "personal" reasons; the reason is kept confidential if requested.

A student is tardy if not in his/her assigned place when the tardy bell rings. When tardy, the student should report to the office before going to homeroom or class. After a student accumulates four unexcused tardy notices, detention may be assigned. Senior high school students should refer to the student handbook for specific information about effect on course credit.