Whether excused or unexcused, lost time in the classroom results in a student missing out on valuable academic content as presented by their teacher.

Research has proven that children can suffer academically if they miss 10% or more of school days.  We want to work with you to remove any barriers that may prevent your child’s attendance at school. We encourage parents to avoid scheduling doctor’s appointments, vacations, or other activities that cause a child to miss school. Also, if a child’s illness impacts regular attendance as defined in the policy, a doctor’s note will be required to excuse the student upon return.

An absence is identified as excused or unexcused. OTSD and Oregon Law define excused absences as the following:

• Illness of the student
• Illness of an immediate family member when the student’s presence at home is necessary
• Emergency situations that require the student’s absence
• School field trips and school-approved activities
• Medical (dental) appointments when confirmed by the parent

Examples of unexcused absences are: appointments for haircuts, shopping, family vacation/trips, hunting, or other non-critical personal business. If you are unsure of how an absence will be coded, please call the school office.

• NOTE: Please keep your child home if they are showing any of the symptoms outlined in the Communicable Disease Information document.

An automated service is used to notify parents of a student’s absence. Notifications are sent out on the same day as the absence. Please be sure the school has your correct contact information, including email address and home/cell phone numbers. Parents may also view their child’s attendance online in ParentVUE.