Reporting an Absence
Every day counts! School success starts with attendance.
BPS expects students to be in class every school day for the entire school day or class period. Students must regularly demonstrate progress toward the objectives of the course of study or activity. Teachers must take daily attendance for every class they teach. The district will report student attendance on every progress report.
Students will be marked as tardy if they are not in their classrooms ready to learn at the beginning of the school day or class period. Tardiness may lead to student discipline as set forth in the school district’s Student Code of Conduct.
The Superintendent may require that the parent/guardian of each student or each adult student provide the reason for the absence. The district reserves the right to verify such statements and to investigate the cause of each absence.
The Board considers absences for the following reasons factors to be excused/exempt:
- Illness or medical excuse (with medical documentation)
- Required court attendance (with court notice)
- Death in the family (including bereavement requiring extended travel)
- Observation or celebration of a religious holiday
- Religious instruction according to M.C.L. 380.1561(3)(c),(d)
- Absences related to the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973
- Extra-curricular activities connected to college/career level acceptance and instruction, or which are sponsored by the School District
- Other absences that may be deemed acceptable by the Superintendent.
If your student(s) will be absent from Pierce Elementary School for any reason during the academic year, please provide a detailed report of their absence to the attendance office in a timely manner.