Waukesha West High School Student Handbook

ATTENDANCEGe ne ra l Proc e dureRegular school attendance increases a studentʼs chances for academic success andpromotes the development of self-discipline, responsibility, and punctuality, which arenecessary life skills. Cooperation between home and school is essential if studentsare to develop sound attendance habits and attitudes that will carry over into adult life.A parent/guardian must call the school Attendance Office at 970-3916, as soon aspossible after 7:00 a.m. each day when the student will be absent with the parentʼsknowledge and consent. If the call is not made on the day of the absence, it can bemade when the student returns or a written statement, signed by the parent/guardian,and is to be submitted to school upon the studentʼs return. The excuse must bepresented within 48 hours or the absence may be considered a truancy.Sta t e La wIn accordance with Wisconsin Statutes, all children between 6 and 18 years of agemust attend school unless they have a legal excuse. A parent MAY NOTexcuse a student for more than 10 days in a school year. After 10 days, amedical excuse will be required. Absences verified by medical documentationor appointment slips from medical offices are not included in this count.NOTE: A student who turns 18 after a school year starts remains under theCompulsory School Attendance Law until the “end of the school term, quarter orsemester of the school year in which the child becomes 18 years of age”.Exc use d Abse nc e a nd TruancyExamples of Excused Absences include:• Personal illness• Funerals• Medical• Family/home emergencies• Religious holidays• Suspensions• Approved family educational trips• Ordered to shelter care or secured detention• Court subpoenaNOTE: It is the principal or assistant principal who determines whether anacceptable excuse has been provided. Parents provide the request to beexcused, they do not excuse.Documentation from offices of appointments is to be submitted upon thestudentʼs return to school.A school attendance office may require a parent/guardian to provide a medicalexcuse by a physician for any verification of illness. (See make-up workprocedure)28