JED - Student Absences and Excuses**

It is the student’s responsibility to attend all assigned classes. A student’s absence from school or class will be excused under the following circumstances:

1. Illness, including mental and behavioral health of the student;
2. Illness of an immediate family member when the student’s presence at home is necessary;
3. Emergency situations that require the student’s absence;
4. Student is a dependent of a member of the U.S. Armed Forces[1] who is on active duty or who is called to active duty. The student may be excused for up to seven days during the school year;
5. Field trips and school-approved activities;
6. Medical (dental) appointments. Confirmation of appointments may be required;
7. Other reasons deemed appropriate by the school administrator when satisfactory arrangements have been made in advance of the absence.

Each school shall notify a parents or guardians by the end of the school day if their child has an unplanned absence. The notification will be either in person, by telephone or another method identified in writing by the parent or guardian. If the parent or guardian cannot be notified by the above methods, a message shall be left, if possible.

Additionally, the superintendent will develop procedures whereby those students who are considered truant may be subject to the following penalties: detention, suspension[2] and/or ineligibility to participate in athletics or other activities.

END OF POLICY

U.S. Armed Forces includes the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard of the United States; reserve components of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines Corps and Coast Guard of the United States; and the National Guard of the United States and the Oregon National Guard.

The use of out-of-school suspension or expulsion for discipline of a student in the fifth grade or below, is limited to:
1. Nonaccidental conduct causing serious physical harm to a student or employee;
2. When a school administrator determines, based on the administrator’s observation or upon a report from an employee, the student’s conduct poses a threat to the health or safety of students or employees; or
3. When the suspension or expulsion is required by law.

Legal Reference(s):
ORS 109.056
ORS 332.107
ORS 339.030
ORS 339.055
ORS 339.065
ORS 339.071
ORS 339.250
ORS 339.420
OAR 581-021-0046
OAR 581-021-0050
OAR 581-023-0006(11)

Cross Reference(s):

IGBHD - Program Exemptions