The Board of Education requires that school-aged pupils enrolled in the schools of Riverview School District attend school regularly in accordance with the laws of the state of Pennsylvania. Establishing a good attendance record should be a high priority. Research demonstrates that performance at school is directly related to a student’s attendance.
The administration will report, to appropriate authorities, infractions of the law regarding attendance of students 18 years of age or under. The administration will issue a written notice to any parent or guardian who fails to comply with the compulsory attendance law. Pennsylvania state law requires a warning letter be sent upon the third illegal/unexcused absence. Such notice shall inform the parent or guardian of the date(s) on which the absence(s) occurred, that the absence was unexcused and in violation of the law, and that the parent is liable under the law for the absence of the student. In addition, the parental notification will state that further violations beyond 3 illegal/unexcused days will be prosecuted without additional notice. If persistent violations occur, parents may be required to come into school to create a School Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP) to avoid future violations. Attendance shall be required of all students enrolled in the schools during the days and hours that the school is in session, except that a student may be excused by the principal when conditions warrant.
The Board considers the following conditions to constitute reasonable cause for an excused absence from school:
- Illness, including if a student is dismissed by designated district staff during school hours for health-related reasons
- Obtaining professional health care or therapy service rendered by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts in any state, commonwealth or territory
- Quarantine
- Family emergency
- Recovery from accident
- Required court attendance
- Death in family
- Participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA or combined 4-H and FFA group, upon prior written request
- Participation in a musical performance in conjunction with a national veterans’ organization or incorporated unit, as defined in law, for an event or funeral.
- The national veterans’ organization or incorporated unit must provide the student with a signed excuse, which shall include the date, location, and time of the event or funeral.
- The student shall furnish the signed excuse to the district prior to being excused from school.
- Observance of a religious holiday observed by a bona fide religious group, upon prior written request from the person in parental relation
- Nonschool-sponsored educational tours or trips, if the following conditions are met:
- The person in parental relation submits the required documentation for excusal prior to the absence, within the appropriate timeframe
- The student’s participation has been approved by the principal
- The adult directing and supervising the tour or trip is acceptable to the person in parental relation and the Superintendent
- College or postsecondary institution visit, with prior approval
- Other urgent reasons that may reasonably cause a student’s absence, as well as circumstances related to homelessness and foster case. The district may limit the number and duration of:
- Nonschool-sponsored educational tours or trips
- College or postsecondary institution visits
Please
refer to Board Policy 204 for additional information.