Hallandale Adult Community Center

A student will have a “pattern of non-attendance” if he or she is absent from school a total of 30 hours (5 days) in any one marking period or 60 hours (10 days) within 90 days. Unless acceptable documentation is available, unexcused absences, excused absences, along with tardiness and early sign-outs will be counted when determining a student’s pattern of non-attendance.

Eight Reasons That Will Be Accepted as Excused Absences Adopted by the Board (Parents/guardians must send a note or call-in absences and tardies within 48 hours.)
1. Student illness 2. Illness of an immediate family member 3. Death in the family 4. Religious holidays of the student’s faith 5. Required court appearance or subpoena by a law enforcement agency 6. Special events (conferences, state/national competitions, exceptional cases of family need) 7. Medical or dental appointments 8. Having a communicable disease or infestation

Elementary School Students

Middle & High School Students

If a child has unexcused absences, excused absences without acceptable documentation, tardies or early sign-outs that add up to a “pattern of non-attendance,” and it is clear that the absences are a sign of early truant behavior, consequences may be imposed. Consequences may range, for an elementary age student, from having his or her report card withheld if they were in school for less than 25 days in a marking period, to the child’s parent being required to appear in court.

Middle and high school students who have a “pattern of non-attendance” may also face consequences. A student could be required to repeat a class; could be referred to Children In Need of Services (CINS) or Families In Need of Services (FINS); could have their driver’s license suspended or be prevented from obtaining a driver’s license; or the student’s parents could be required to appear in court.

It is important for parents receiving Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) payments from the state to know that if their child has a pattern of non-attendance, payments may be suspended.