When a student must miss school, a written excuse signed by a parent or guardian must be presented to the teacher within three days of returning after an absence.  An absence may be excused for the following reasons:

1. personal illness or injury which makes the student physically unable to attend school;

2. isolation ordered by the State Board of Health;

3. death in the immediate family;

4. emergency medical or dental appointment or such an appointment which has been approved by the principal;

5. participation under subpoena as a witness in a court proceeding or if the student is a party to the action of a court or administrative tribunal;

6. observance of an event required or suggested by the religion of the student or the student's parent(s) with prior approval by the principal;

7. participation in a valid educational opportunity, such as travel, with prior approval by the principal; or

8. absence due to pregnancy and related conditions or parenting, when medically necessary.

In addition, a student whose parent or legal guardian (a) is an active duty member of the uniformed services as defined by policy 4050, Children of Military Families, and (b) has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting will be granted additional excused absences at the discretion of the superintendent or designee to visit with his or her parent or legal guardian.

Extended illnesses will require a statement from a physician that verifies the need for non-attendance.