Attendance & Truancy Policy

What is Truancy?
  • Any full or partial day absence from school without an acceptable excuse
  • Five unexcused absences for all or part of a day (per semester) is considered "habitually truant" and is illegal by Wisconsin Law
  • Any absences without a written medical excuse from a doctor, if the student has reached ten or more excused absences

Wisconsin State Law (118.16) requires regular attendance at school. The following are acceptable excuses for an absence:

  • Personal illness (doctor confirmation may be requested)
  • Personal/family emergency
  • Required court appearance
  • Other circumstances approved by the school district
  • Written excuse before any additional pre-arranged absence (under 10 days per school year)

All other absences are unexcused - - please see the student handbook for details

Information on Attendance
  • Absenteeism in the first month of school can predict poor attendance throughout the school year. Half the students who miss 2-4 days in September go on to miss nearly a month of school.
  • Research shows that missing 10 percent of school, or about 18 days in most school districts, negatively affects a student's academic performance. That's just two days a month and that's known as chronic absence.
  • The academic impact of missing that much school is the same whether the absences are excused or unexcused. Suspensions also add to lost time in the classroom.  www.attendanceworks.org
School Intervention Process
  • The office will contact a parent or guardian if a student is absent and has not been called in.
  • When a student accumulates up to 8 absences during the school year, a letter will be sent home.
  • After 3 unexcused absences, parents will be notified.
  • After 5 unexcused absences, the child is considered habitually truant. The school will notify the parents requesting a parent-child meeting.
  • After 10 excused absences, the school will request documentation from a doctor for each medical visit. Until documentation is presented, the absence will be marked unexcused.
What can Parents/Guardians do to support their child?
  • Let children know that good attendance is important. Show them that you are interested in their school activities in a positive way.
  • Establish a routine. Establish consistent bedtimes, limit electronics at night, have school work and lunch laid out and ready to go.
  • Attitudes are contagious. Be positive when discussing school and teachers. If there are concerns, feel free to contact the school to discuss them.
  • Monitor homework and progress. It is linked to attendance. Contact teachers or visit Infinite Campus.

Reporting Absences
  • If your child has an unplanned absence due to an illness or emergency, please contact the office before 8:00am the day of the absence.
  • If your child is requesting a pre-planned absence, please contact the Middle School Office at 608-592-3854

School Contacts

Attendance Office - 608.592.3854 ext 3201
Mr. Peter Franklin, Dean of Students - 608.592.3854 ext. 3203