An integral component in supporting a student's success in academic and life skills is regular daily school attendance. Utah State law requires that parents have their student attend school on a regular basis. Parents should communicate with their student's school regarding attendance issues, and notify the school when a student will be absent from school. Students should not be allowed to stay home from school unless they are ill. Utah law also requires schools to monitor a student's attendance and communicate with the parent or guardian when a non-attendance pattern develops. There may be circumstances when the school will request medical documentation to excuse an absence.
The beginning of the school day establishes a learning climate, thus parents are encouraged to have their student arrive at school on time. The cooperative efforts of parents and the school will support the success of a child's regular school attendance.
Regular school attendance is mandated by state law (Utah Code §53G-6-202). For any questions regarding attendance or truancy, please contact our Student Services Department at 801-567-8205 for information.
Things to know about attendance:
Attendance Essentials-Things You Should Know
1. Did you know?
Starting in Kindergarten, students should not miss more than 9 days of school per year to stay on track for graduation. This means missing no more than one day per month!
2. Excused vs Unexcused
Excused Absences Include:
- Illness
- Medical Appointments
- Dental Appointments
- Doctor Recommended Quarantine
- Funeral
- Religious Holidays
- Legal Appointments
- Jury Duty (if over 18 years old)
Unexcused Absences May Include:
- Vacations and Trips
- Missing the bus
- Oversleeping
- Working
- Babysitting
∗If the absences have not been excused by a parent or guardian.
3.Too Sick to Come to School?
- I have a runny nose or just a little cough, no other symptoms.
- I have NOT had a fever overnight & have NOT taken fever reducing medicine during that time.
- I have NOT thrown up overnight and can drink liquids without throwing up.
- I have a mild rash but no other symptoms.
If your child will be absent please call the school each time.
4. Having Trouble Getting to School?
We are Here to Help!
Resources and services are available to help your child get to school. Contact the front office or your student's school for assistance.
- Transportation
- Housing
- Mental Health
- And more...
Visit Skyward to check your student's attendance monthly. If you need help with Skyward access ask the front office for help.
Información Esencial Sobre Asistencia en Español
When should my student stay home?
Stay at Home Checklist
See You in Class!
- Have a runny nose or a little cough, but no other symptoms
- No fever-reducing medicine in 24 hours, and no fever during that time (fever=temperature of 100.4 F/38 C or higher)
- No throwing up or diarrhea for 24 hours
Best to Stay Home.
- Temperature higher than 100.4 F/38 C (with or without medication)
- Persistent cough
- Throwing up or diarrhea
- Eyes are pink and crusty
- Instructed by a doctor to isolate from others
Heading to School! What Should I Know?
We are so glad you are coming! A day of missed school is a lost opportunity for social development. By coming to school every day your student is not sick, they are gaining social skills to hep them land their first job as an adult!
My Student is Staying Home. What Should I Do Next!
- Notify the school by phone before 9 am, if possible, the day of the absence. Need your school's phone number? Here's a site that can help.
- Repeat the checklist every morning.
At school your student learns:
- Time Management
- Problem Solving
- Collaboration
We hope to see your student back at school soon! We're better when you're here!
Ideas for Improving Attendance