TULSA PUBLIC SCHOOLS NEPN Code: JE
STUDENT ATTENDANCE
Elementary Student Absences
A student with more than nine absences (or 18 half-day absences) in any semester may be subject to retention in the grade in which the student is enrolled. The pupil must be in attendance for at least two hours in the morning or two hours in the afternoon to be recorded present for one-half day. (This would include late arrivals and early departures.) If a half-day kindergarten or early childhood student is present at least two hours or the assigned morning or afternoon session, the child is to be counted present the full day. If the student is not present at least two hours of the morning of afternoon session, the child will be counted absent the full day.
All absences (excused and unexcused) shall be included in the calculation of the nine-day total. A written explanation must be provided for each recorded absence within 48 hours after the student returns to school. Based upon the explanation provided, the absence will be deemed either excused or unexcused by the principal. Absences for which no written explanation is received will be deemed unexcused.
Attendance Notification
At a minimum, parents will be notified by telephone or letter of their child’s attendance status during the fourth week of each quarter and again at the eighth week. In addition, after a student’s fourth absence during any one semester, parents or guardians will be asked to acknowledge understanding of the District’s attendance policy, and the possible loss of credit or retention for excessive absences.
Notification of Retention – Elementary Students
When a determination has been made that excessive absenteeism (18 or more days in a year) merits a retention, the principal will send a retention letter to the parents/guardians advising them that their child will be retained in the present grade level. This will be reflected in the child’s cumulative record. Parents/guardians may appeal a retention action pursuant to Board policy IKE.
Review of Absenteeism – Elementary Students
Prior to the end of each semester, the principal shall review absentee records and make determinations relative to promotion/retentions. If a student has excessive absences, the student may be promoted only if, in the judgment of the principal using such objective means as may be appropriate, the student has mastered the grade-level course of study relevant to the specific student.
Adopted: November 1982
Revised: November 2003
Cross Reference: JE-R Student Attendance
JHB-R Truancy
JHC – Student Absences Due to Activities
