ATTENDANCE AND EXCUSES

The Shelby County Board of Education believes that regular attendance is a necessary requirement of all students and that any student with the maturity and interest should be included in some phase of the school program.

All students are expected to attend school on each day that school is officially in session. Only the following reasons will be considered for excused absences:

1. Illness of student.
2. Death or serious illness within the student's immediate family.
3. When the student is officially representing the school in a school sponsored activity.
4. Special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of their faith.
5. Legal court summons not as a result of the student's misconduct.
6. Extenuating circumstances over which the student has no control as approved by the principal.
7. If necessary, verification is required from an official or other source to justify absences.
8. All other absences than those outlined above shall be considered unexcused.

A written statement, within two (2) school days of the student's return to school, shall be required from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for each absence.
Any administrative decision regarding attendance may be appealed to the Student Services Department.