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Elementary School » Attendance

Attendance

Regular school attendance is crucial for academic success and personal development. Attending classes fosters a consistent learning environment, helps students build a strong foundation of knowledge, and promotes essential social skills. It sets the stage for future success, instilling discipline and responsibility while maximizing the benefits of education.
Please call no later than 9:00 am to inform the school of non-attendance of a student.
 
Attendance Report Line
Phone number: 517-645-4778
 
When calling, please provide the following information the following:
1. Name of person calling and relationship to the student,
2. Name of student,
3. Reason for absence
4. Expected return

A call does not count as an excused absence. Excused absences must have documentation. 

 

Following Policy 5200 and Michigan State law 380.1561, Potterville Public Schools may look into situations where absences are more than 5-10% of the total days of school. As education in Michigan is compulsory the school district will look to confirm that frequent absences away from school are for medical or religious reasons. Most of the time this takes the form of documents signed by presiding medical officials. 

Policy 5200
 
Summary: 
Parents are reminded that regular student attendance is required, and absences must be confirmed with the school. The district may verify and investigate single, prolonged, or repeated unexplained absences. Reasonable excuses include, but are not limited to, illness, recovery, court attendance, professional appointments, family death, or religious holidays. The Superintendent will develop procedures to ensure legal compliance, provide makeup opportunities, and avoid unconditional grade revocation. Attendance records will be kept per state regulations, and habitual truancy will be addressed through investigations and educational modifications. Grades are based on performance, not conduct-related attendance issues. Discipline aligns with misconduct while maintaining fair grading practices.
 
Summary:
This section outlines the compulsory attendance requirements for children in Michigan. Children aged 6 to 16, or 6 to 18 for those born on or after December 1, 2009, must attend a public school continuously throughout the school year, as determined by the school district. Exceptions include enrollment in state-approved nonpublic schools, residence more than 2.5 miles from a public school (with transportation provided), attendance at religious or confirmation classes, completion of high school graduation requirements, or homeschooling in a structured program covering specific subjects. Written notice allows students aged 16 and above to stop attending school.
Parents are encouraged not to take their child out of school for vacations. When a family vacation must be scheduled during the school year, the parents should discuss the matter with the principal and the student’s teacher(s) to make necessary arrangements. It may be possible for the student to receive certain assignments that are to be completed during the trip.
 
Some tips for communicating with school can found on our School-to-Home Communication webpage
Missing school due to suspension counts toward absences when considering truancy. It's important for students to follow the Student Handbook approved by the Board of Education, and guardians play a key role in ensuring this.
Students who are excusably absent from school or who have been suspended shall be given the opportunity to make-up work that has been missed. The student should contact his/her teacher as soon as possible to obtain assignments. The teachers will also be asked to work with the student to help setup make-up assignments and tests as necessary. Length of time for makeup work to be completed, from a suspension or excused absence shall be no less than 3 days.
 
Some tips for communicating with school can found on our School-to-Home Communication webpage
 
 

A 504 plan or Individualized Education Program (IEP) provides support and accommodations for students with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to education. However, having a 504 plan or IEP does not typically excuse a student from compulsory education. Students with disabilities are generally expected to participate in education, and the 504 or IEP outlines the necessary accommodations and modifications to support their learning needs within the regular education setting.

 

Compulsory education laws require students to attend school up to a certain age or grade level, and this requirement typically applies to all students, including those with disabilities. If a student is unable to attend regular classes due to the nature or severity of their disability, alternative educational arrangements may be considered, such as special education services, homebound instruction, or other suitable options outlined in the student's plan. It's important that families and the school work together to determine the best course of action for each individual student based on their unique needs and circumstances.

Chronic absenteeism is missing at least 10% of the school year, around 18 days. 
 
5% or less = good attendance
5%-10% = at risk
10%-20% = chronic absenteeism
20% or more = severe chronic absenteeism.
The following absences are considered to be unexcused and/or truant:
  1. Not promptly reporting an absence by a written note within a reasonable timeframe.
  2. Oversleeping.
  3. Transportation issues unrelated to school responsibilities (e.g., car trouble, missed bus).

Attendance Notification Process

Potterville Elementary encourages consistent attendance. 

 

3-9 Absences

Every 30 days we will check attendance. Anyone with 10% absences will receive a courtesy call in order to support the student. 

 

10 Absences

After the 10th absence households will receive formal communication explaining that absences are high and indicating the days a student has missed and providing households an opportunity to present  documentation to excuse the listed days.

 

14 Absences

If communication has not been consistent a formal communication will be sent to families explaining that absences are high and indicating the days a student has missed and providing households an opportunity to present  documentation to excuse the listed days. The family will be invited to a face-to-face meeting to brainstorm a plan to support the student moving forward. 

 

18+ Absences

Student is consider truant. By State law the school will referral the student and household to the Eaton County Truancy Office for "Chronic Absenteeism". Formal communication will be sent to the household informing them of this referral. 

Consequences of Truancy for Minors:
Minors not attending school can go to court for truancy. While in court the attendance of a minor will be judged by what is called the "Willful" Standard. Under this standard to found in violation of Michigan law the court must show that the absences were voluntary, intentional, and willful. If found guilty the court may issue dispositional orders, including warnings, probation, placement in institutions, community service, or secure facilities. A minor may be on probation until they turn 19 years old. 

 

Consequences of Truancy for Adults:
By State law guardians must have their students enrolled in an educational program by the age of 6. Exceptions are made, so it important that parents have the appropriate paperwork showing the purpose of the absences. If such paperwork cannot be produced guardians may be charged with a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of $5.00 to $50.00 or up to 90 days in jail, or both. Additionally, charges may lead to a referral to Child Protective Services, potentially resulting in the state attempting to remove children due to "educational neglect."
 
Source: https://www.monroecountylawyers.com/blog/2022/01/what-are-the-penalties-for-truancy-in-michigan/