We appreciate your help in working through changes on attendance policies for next year. We know that school attendance is linked to higher student achievement, math and literacy proficiency, graduating on time, and increased student engagement. We are returning to the system we had prior to COVID, distinguishing parent notes and pre-planned trip absences.
For the 2025-26 school year, there will be five (5) absences allowed with a parent note for any reason. For pre-planned trips or outside school activity absences, parents will have 5 additional absences and will need to complete a pre-planned absence form. We will provide more information with back to school resources on how to access the pre-planned absence form.
As an important reminder, absences with a doctor’s note, received within three days, are excused and do not count towards the parent note or pre-planned absence count. We also understand that extenuating circumstances can happen and we will work to partner with you on those types of situations. It is our hope that this approach balances flexibility with maintaining a consistent learning environment. We will continue to advocate for change at the state level for a school finance formula that is based on enrollment and not on attendance.