What are excused absences?
There are a number of reasons why scholars miss school. You can contact your scholar’s school office regarding the reason for the absence. Absences shall be excused by the Principal (or designee). Examples of excused absences are listed below. Absences for other reasons shall be considered unexcused.
- Illness, injury or quarantine of the scholar
- Serious illness of a family member
- Death in the scholar’s immediate family (or close friend or relative)
- Dental or medical services
- Appearance in Juvenile Court or Court-ordered appearances
- Observance of a holiday or ceremony of his/her religion
- Family emergencies
- Weather related absences “snow days” excused at district level
- Pre-arranged excused absences for scholar participation in approved non-school competitions and performance activities
- Reasons authorized by the principal or designee Absences due to school-related activities, homebound/hospitalization, or district authorized closures will not be counted towards the scholar’s total absences.
Absences due to school-related activities, homebound/hospitalization, or district authorized closures will not be counted towards the scholar’s total absences.
What is truancy?
Truancy refers to unexcused absences. If a scholar becomes truant (unexcused), the school district will partner with parents/caregivers to promote school attendance so all scholars can achieve their fullest potential.
Supporting Scholars
A conference with the parent/caregiver, scholar, and school staff may be needed to create a plan, so your scholar does not fall behind academically whether the absences are excused or unexcused.
In elementary school:
- Three (3) or more total absences in a school year: the school district may contact you to discuss absences and partner with you to address barriers so your scholar(s) can attend school.
- Eight (8) or more total absences: a conference may be scheduled with you and the scholar to create a plan together.
- Fifteen (15) or more total absences: a conference may be scheduled to review the present plan and discuss additional resources to support your scholar’s school experience.
- After twenty (20) or more absences: the school district may have to resort to legal action and file truancy petitions with the court.
- Department of Human Services (DHS Policy) effective October 1, 2012, requires Michigan parents whose children don’t attend school will lose welfare cash benefits under this state policy. Michigan Department of Human Services will require children ages 6-15 to attend school full time to keep family eligible for cash benefits. If a child doesn’t the entire family becomes ineligible. The DHS policy requires school attendance for children ages 16-17 and will not cut cash aid for the family if a scholar is truant.
What is considered tardy, a late arrival, and an early dismissal?
Grand Rapids Public Schools welcomes all scholars to be at school every day on time! Attending school on-time, every day will give your scholar the best chance of graduating from high school.
- If a scholar arrives late or leaves early by 35 minutes or less in the am or pm, the scholar is considered tardy.
- If a scholar arrives late by 36 to 90 minutes in the am, the scholar is considered late arrival.
- If a scholar leaves early by 36 to 90 minutes in the pm, the scholar is considered an early departure. Attendance is taken twice a day, in the morning and the afternoon.
- If a scholar arrives late by 91 minutes or more in the am, the scholar is considered absent for the morning.
- If a scholar arrives late or leaves early by 91 minutes or more in the pm, the scholar is considered absent for the afternoon.