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Frequently Asked Questions

Frequently Ask Questions

 Who should I call if I have questions about my student’s attendance?

  • Call the Attendance Clerk at your school. Always contact your students’ teachers for missed work.

What do I provide for the school if my student is absent?

  • Any student who misses school must present a written excuse, signed by a parent/guardian, or a medical excuse. If this excuse is not turned in within three days after the student is back in school, this absence will be unexcused.
  • The maximum number of absences excused on a parent’s note for illness is:
  • Elementary and Middle Schools have five parent notes per school year;
  • High Schools three per semester a total of 6 per school year.
  • There is no limit on the number of absences excused from a medical statement.

If my family wants to take a vacation or if my student participates in a non-sponsored school sport or event are these days excused?

  • No. South Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law prohibits personal days for any student. If the event is sponsored by the school, it is excused.

What can I do to support good attendance skills for my student?

  • Communicate with your school! Build a relationship with teachers and your school. Make school attendance a priority in your home.
  • Be on time each day! Setting a regular morning routine is essential. Being late to school can set the tone for their entire day and your student will miss valuable instruction time with their teachers and peers.

What can I do to motivate my student to attend school?

  • Many times, missing school is an indicator of other problems. All our schools have Attendance Teams to help parents and students to resolve and provide guidance to overcome concerns or problems your student may be having
  • Please contact the Attendance Clerk at your school prior to your student accumulating excessive absences; ask to speak to the staff member(s) who complete Student Attendance Intervention Plans. Resources and help will be provided.

What are my responsibilities as a parent/guardian to ensure regular attendance for my student?

  • Under South Carolina Compulsory Attendance Law, parents are responsible for their students to attend school regularly.
  • After 5 full unexcused absences, parents will be contacted by their school to complete a Student Attendance Intervention Plan. Attendance Plans are intended for your school to help the parent and student determine the reasons for the absences, provide help and resources to improve your student’s attendance.

Why is school attendance so important for my child?

  • Students who attend school regularly can learn more are often more successful than students who do not, in school and the workplace. Too many absences can cause children to fall behind in school.
  • Pre-school and Elementary: missing one or two days every few weeks can make it harder to gain early reading skills and math skills.
  • Middle and High School: absences can be a sign that a teen is losing interest, struggling with schoolwork, facing some other difficulty.