Valid Reasons for Student Absence
CPS recognizes six reasons for an absence to be considered excused:
- student illness
- observance of a religious holiday (absence note required)
- death in the immediate family
- family emergency
- circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent for their child's safety or health (must be approved by the principal)
- other situations beyond the control of the student (as determined by principal)
Communicating Your Child’s Absence to School
CPS recommends parents keep children at home for fever or flu-like symptoms. To help you decide if your child is too sick to go to school, see “When Should I Keep My Child at Home?” below.
If your child must stay home, call your school to inform them your child will be absent. Provide the school with a signed “Reason for Absence Note” on the first day your child returns to school from an absence.
Your written note should include the following information:
- Student's name
- Room/division
- Date(s) of absence
- Reason for absence (must be one of the six valid reasons), with details explaining if there is a family emergency, concern for child’s safety, or situation beyond the student’s control.
- Parent/guardian signature, date, and phone number
Download Sample Absence Note
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Medical Information and Conditions
- Inform your school if a physician diagnoses your child with any contagious/infectious disease, such as chicken pox, measles, etc.
- Get a written release from a doctor for your child to return to school if he or she is diagnosed with or suspected of having a communicable/nuisance disease
- Submit required medical reports to the appropriate school personnel
- Keep up-to-date on all your child's health examinations and immunizations so your student does not miss school