We've had a number of families ask about the need for a doctor's note when a child misses school due to illness. While a doctor's note is always helpful documentation, it is not required until your child's 10th absence.
All students are allowed 9 absences that are "excused" without documentation required. For the 10th day, and any following, absences are only considered "excused" for the following reasons, and most require "Level 2" documentation:
a. Student illness (verified by an appropriately licensed medical professional)
b. Religious obligations
c. Mandated court appearances (documentation required)
d. Funeral or death in the family, or other emergency beyond the control of the student's family
e. Extraordinary education opportunities pre-approved by the building principal in accordance with Connecticut State Department of Education Guidance
f. Lack of transportation
This additional documentation is necessary; otherwise absences will be considered "unexcused" and a student may then be considered "truant". Truancy is defined as a student who has has 4 unexcused absences from school in one month (30 consecutive calendar days) or 10 unexcused absences in one school year. Based on state statues, if a student becomes truant, we are required to have a meeting with parents/guardians within 10 school days in order to collaboratively design an attendance intervention.
Thank you for everything you are doing to ensure your child attends school on a regular basis. Our partnership is having a positive impact!
