CMS Attendance Policy

This Blog entry will be just about absences from school. The tardy policy will be shared on a different week.

Attendance Policy and Procedure

Michigan has compulsory school attendance laws which place the responsibility for a student’s attendance with the parents or legal guardian.

Absences and tardies may be excused or unexcused. Excused absences are those wherein the parent contacts the school prior to the absence or within two school days after the absence. Unexcused absences (truancies) are those wherein parental notification is not received prior to or within two school days after the absence. After two school days, the student will be marked unexcused.

In cases of excessive tardiness or absences, school personnel may require written documentation from either medical or professional personnel of the reasons for the absences. Excessive absences may also be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for enforcement of the compulsory school attendance laws.

Parents/guardians may call the school at 386-9979 between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. to report their child’s absence. If a telephone contact has not been made, it is imperative that the parent/guardian sends a note with their child which must be brought to the office immediately upon the student’s return. If a phone call or note has not been received at the office by 12:00 p.m. the day following your child’s absence, an automated call will go out to the home to remind the parent/guardian to call the school office. For your convenience you may also send an e-mail to the principal, secretary, or secretary clerk. Their e-mail addresses can be found at our website: www.clare.k12.mi.us/middle. After two school days, if an absence has not been excused by a parent/guardian, the student’s absence will remain unexcused and a disciplinary sanction will be issued. Late documentation will not be accepted as “excused.”

Students absent during the school day may not attend any after-school or evening school activities on that day.

Pre-Arranged Absence

Students must have parents and teachers complete a prearranged absence form for any planned absences other than medical.