Student Attendance

Students have the responsibility for attending school on time every day and for attending every class.

Students also have the responsibility for requesting make-up work for work missed while absent, within three days of their return to school.

Parents have the responsibility for making sure that their children attend school every day. They are also responsible for maintaining regular contact with the school and for sending a note to the school
that gives the reason(s) for absence or lateness.

The school has the responsibility for educating each child; for notifying parents about unsatisfactory attendance; and for working with parents and students to maintain the highest possible level of attendance. Schools also have the responsibility for enforcing the Compulsory Attendance Law.

The community has the responsibility for supporting the educational system.

Maryland Law

Maryland law (Section 7-301 of the Education Article) requires regular school attendance of children between five and sixteen years of age. Any person who has legal custody or care and control of a child, five years old and under sixteen, who fails to see that the child attends school or receives instruction under this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and:

1. For a first conviction is subject to a fine not to exceed $50 per day of unlawful absence or imprisonment not to exceed ten days, or both;
2. For a second or subsequent conviction is subject to a fine not to exceed $100 per day of unlawful absence or imprisonment not to exceed 30 days, or both.

Systemwide Definitions

The following official definitions are used by all public schools in Baltimore City.

Lawful Absence

Absence from school will be considered lawful under the following conditions:

• Death in the immediate family
• Illness of the student (Note: The principal will require a physician's certificate from the parent or guardian of a student reported continually absent for illness.)
• Court summons
• Observance of a religious holiday
• State emergency
• Hazardous weather conditions
• Approved work or other activity sponsored by the school
• Suspension
• Lack of authorized transportation
• Other emergency or set of circumstances as determined by the Chief Executive Officer or his/her designee

Lawful or legitimate absence requires a written explanation from the parent, guardian, or custodian of the child. In certain circumstances, notification to the school may come from an official agency.

In cases where students have been lawfully absent, the school will provide make-up work. Where make-up work has been successfully completed, the student's grades will reflect the completion of such work.

Unlawful Absence

Reasons for absence not denoted under “lawful absence” will be coded as unlawful.

Students who participate in school-sponsored activities such as work-study, sports, student council activities, etc., should be marked present in the roll book provided they furnish the teacher with documentation of their participation in the activity. Except for those in a work-study program, students are responsible for making up work missed.

Some explanations for unlawful absence may represent “real” reasons for the absence. Such situations require immediate and careful investigation. In terms of the attendance laws, the explanations are not a lawful basis for absence.

Perfect Attendance

A student must attend school every day to be considered for “perfect attendance” awards. If a student is absent from school—lawfully or unlawfully—he or she no longer has perfect attendance and does not qualify for awards.

Lateness

• It is important for students to be on time for homeroom because the official school roll book is marked during homeroom.
• Students coming late to school are required to obtain a late pass before being admitted to any classroom. Schools are required to admit students to school regardless of the time. (Students may be marked absent for 1/2 day as appropriate.) This late pass must be brought to the attention of the homeroom teacher in secondary schools. If a late pass is not obtained and shown to the homeroom teacher, students will be marked absent on the official roll. Students are required to bring a note from the parent or guardian explaining the reason for the lateness.

Early Dismissals

During the school year, there are times when students will need to be dismissed early from school. The Baltimore City Public School System requests that whenever possible, doctor, dentist, or other special appointments be scheduled after school hours to reduce the potential for lost instructional time. However, when this is not possible, a written permission request must be sent to school with the student. The note must have a valid and verifiable parent /guardian signature. Schools must contact the parent/guardian to verify the note.

Planned early dismissals as a result of staff development are noted on the school-year calendar included in this guide The procedures for early dismissals due to weather conditions are also contained in this guide.

Specific Procedures

• After three unexplained absences within any period of five consecutive school days, the school will communicate with the student's home to determine the reason for absence and whether additional assistance is needed.
• After five unexcused absences in a month, the school will request a meeting with the parent in an attempt to address the problem.
• Procedures also include provisions for assisting students and/or parents with services or programs that support regular attendance.

In the case of a student with a disability, repeated absences (e.g., more than ten days in a school year, consecutively or cumulatively) may require the IEP team to convene to renew, and revise as appropriately, the student’s IEP.

Court Action

If the student continues to be unlawfully absent, the case may be referred to the Office of Attendance and Suspension Services for possible court action.

Appeals

Consistent with state regulations, parents have the right to appeal attendance violation decisions and/or question the school records regarding attendance. This appeal should be made in writing to the principal and, if not resolved, then to the appropriate area executive officer.

Review of Policies

Parents or community groups wishing to review the full attendance policy and procedure handbook may contact the principal or the Office of Attendance and Suspension Services, 410-396-8643.