Attendance Information

MISSISSIPPI COMPULSORY SCHOOL ATTENDANCE LAW

1. An absence is excused when the absence results from the compulsory school-age child's attendance of an authorized school activity with the prior approval of the superintendent of the school district or his/her designee. Such activities may include field trips, athletic contests, student conventions, musical festivals, and any similar activity.
2. An absence is excused when the absence results from illness or injury which prevents the compulsory-school-age child from being physically able to attend school.
3. An absence is excused when isolation of a compulsory-school-age child is ordered by the County Health Officer or by the State Board of Health.
4. An absence is excused when it results from the death or serious illness of a member of the immediate family of a compulsory-school-age child. The immediate family member(s) of a compulsory-school-age child shall include children, spouse, grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters, including step-brothers and step-sisters.
5. An absence is excused when it results from a medical or dental appointment of a compulsory-school-age child where the approval of the superintendent of OSSD or his/her designee is gained prior to the absence, except in the case of an emergency.
6. An absence is excused when it results from the attendance of a compulsory-school-age child at the proceedings of a court or administrative tribunal if such child is a party to the action or under subpoena as a witness.
7. An absence may be excused if the religion to which the compulsory-school-age child or such child's parents adheres requires or suggests the observance of a religious event. The approval of such absence is within the discretion of the superintendent or his/her designee, but approval should be granted unless the religion's observance is of such duration as to interfere with the education of the child.
8. An absence may be excused when it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the superintendent of the OSSD or his/her designee that the purpose of the absence is to take advantage of a valid educational opportunity such as travel including vacations or other family travel. Approval of such absence must be gained from the superintendent of OSSD or his/her designee prior to the absence but such approval shall not be unreasonably withheld. 
9. An absence may be excused when it is demonstrated to the satisfaction of the superintendent or his/her designee that conditions are sufficient to warrant the compulsory-school-age child's non-attendance.

ABSENCE FROM SCHOOL

Reporting an Absence

Parental-Excused Absence

Documented-Excused Absence

Administrative-Excused Absence

School-Sponsored Activity-Excused Absence

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES

MAKE-UP WORK 

LATE CHECK-IN / EARLY CHECK-OUT

TARDIES

1. school transportation or other school-related actions,
2. medical or dental appointments if accompanied by a written excuse from the physician, dentist, or other medical personnel, and
3. special circumstances in accordance with the Mississippi Compulsory School Attendance Law and deemed acceptable by the principal or her designee.

TRUANCY

1. The parent/guardian was not aware that the student was absent;
2. The parent/guardian was aware but chose not to excuse; or
3. The reason for the absence is not a valid excuse for temporary nonattendance according to the state’s Compulsory Attendance Law.

ABSENCE SUMMARY

1. Regular and punctual attendance is necessary for academic growth.
2. A student is allowed only two parental absences per nine-week period. The office must be notified by the parent prior to or on the day of absence for the absence to be considered an excused absence.
3. All other absences require medical or legal documentation for the absence to be considered excused. Documentation must be submitted to the school office or to the student’s teacher prior to the absence or within 2 days of the student’s return to school.