Attendance

Skipping school without a valid reason is not acceptable. A student who has 10 or more unexcused absences in one school year is considered a “habitual truant.”

If a student is between 13 and 15 years old and is considered a habitual truant, they may not be able to get a driver’s permit or license until they turn 18—or until their attendance improves and is reviewed by the principal.

The principal must report this to the Indiana Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV), and students will go through the same process as if they were being expelled.

Truant students may not receive credit for work missed on those days. If truancy continues, it can lead to:

• Being placed in an alternative school and losing the chance to join school events

• Losing your driver's license or permit

• Being referred to truancy court

• Being reported to juvenile authorities

• Reporting parents to local authorities for not ensuring the student is in school

• Being referred to Porter County Truancy Court

Students can be excused from school for the reasons listed below. If the absence is excused, the student will be allowed to make up missed schoolwork and tests:

• Serving or participating in the Indiana military wing

• Personal illness (not illness in the family unless the principal approves it)

• A death in the immediate family

• A religious holiday

• Doctor or other important appointments that can’t be scheduled outside of school

• Up to two college visits for juniors or seniors (more may be approved by the principal)

• Any other legal reasons listed in Indiana law

If a student has a health issue that causes frequent absences, a note from a doctor or medical professional is required.

Parent Responsibility

Parents must contact the school within 24 hours of the absence. It’s better to let the school know in advance or on the day of the absence. Call the school office and explain the reason. If you know about the absence ahead of time, try to let the school know a few days early so your child can plan for makeup work.

Frequently Absent

If a student is excused for more than 4 days in a grading period, they may be considered “frequently absent.” If these absences are due to illness, the school may ask for a doctor’s note explaining the condition and treatment.

If the student continues to miss school in the next grading period, they may be placed on “attendance watch.” If the pattern continues:

• The student may not be allowed to join non-classroom activities or events

• A note about frequent absences may be added to the student’s transcript

• Colleges and future employers may be informed

• If a student misses 18 or more days (10% of the school year), they are considered “Chronically Absent” and may be reported to Juvenile Probation