Attendance

Regular attendance provides students the opportunity to acquire specific skills and meet course goals and objectives that may not otherwise be possible if not in attendance. Many integral learning activities, including class discussions, laboratory experiments, field trips, direct instruction, and guest speakers cannot be simulated or replicated with bookwork. Therefore, the Seminole County Public Schools has adopted attendance policies for elementary, middle and high schools to encourage honest, accurate, and consistent adherence by all students, parents, teachers, and administrators. These policies outline what qualifies as an excused absence and unexcused absence and provide guidelines for the make-up of work missed due to an absence.

Parent Responsibilities- Parents are responsible for the attendance of their children within the compulsory attendance age (Florida Statute 1003.24). Whenever a student of compulsory school attendance age is absent without the permission of the person in charge of the school, the parent of the student must, as soon as practical after learning of the absence, report and explain the cause of such absence to the appropriate school personnel. 

Florida Law- Florida Statute 1003.27 provides that a parent or legal guardian who refuses or fails to have a child under his or her control attend school regularly, is subject to the charge of a second-degree misdemeanor, punishable as provided by law. A student who accumulates 15 or more unexcused absences within 90 days with or without the knowledge or consent of the student’s parent shall be classified as a habitual truant. If a student becomes a habitual truant, the school administration shall refer matters to the Legal Services Department. Thereafter, the Superintendent may file a truancy petition with the circuit court. The Superintendent also may choose to refer truancy matters to the State Attorney’s Office. 

Note: ALL students who do not attend school or who leave school without permission are subject to being detained by a local law enforcement officer and transported to the Seminole Truancy Alternatives for Youth (S.T.A.Y.) Center where they must remain until released directly into the custody of a parent or guardian. 

*Taken from the Student Code of Conduct

What counts as an “excused” absence?

After you submit the absence request, school staff will review it to ensure it meets the board policy for an excused absence. Here are the most common reasons that may be excused:

• Your child is sick (Illness that lasts longer than 5 consecutive days may require a doctor’s note)
• Doctor or medical appointments
• Required court appearances
• Death in the immediate family
• Religious holidays or instruction
• Approved school activities or events
• Therapy appointments (speech, occupational, ABA, etc.)
• Attendance at a DCF-supervised program
• Significant community events (with principal’s prior approval)
• Other special situations approved by the principal
• Insurmountable conditions, like extreme weather or public health concerns

Each absence request will be reviewed in accordance with School Board Policy 5200.

If you have questions or need help accessing Skyward, please connect with your school directly.  We’re here to help!

Thank you for partnering with us to support your child’s success through regular attendance and open communication.

SCPS Website- Parent Notes for Attendance