• Attendance Policy

    Please review the attached file regarding the below referenced attendance policy: 

    ATTENDANCE INFORMATION Florida Statute 1003.24 states that each parent of a child of compulsory school age shall be responsible for each child’s school attendance as required by law. The absence of a student from school is prima facie evidence of a violation of this section. Florida statute 1003.27(7)(1) states that a parent who refuses or fails to have a minor student who is under his/her control attend school regularly shall be guilty of a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable by law. Truancy: A student who has (5) unexcused absences within a calendar month, or ten (10) unexcused absences within a 90- calendar-day period would be considered a truant student. 

    Providing an Absence Excuse: The preferred communication method is to email the school or to provide a note with your child for the reason of the absence. 

    Excused Absences: Any child who is absent from school must present a written excuse signed by the parent or guardian immediately upon his/ her return. The note must clearly indicate the reason for absence and must be presented within three (3) school days from the child’s return to school. Please note that a phone call does not excuse your child’s absence. An email will be accepted if it is submitted within three days of the absence. 

    Acceptable Excuses for Absence: • Illness, quarantine or obtaining professional health care or therapy from a licensed practitioner • Family emergency • Required court appearance • Death in family • Observance of a religious holiday observed by bona fide religious group, upon prior written parental request •

    Unacceptable Excuses for Absence: Shopping visits • Care for family members • Days out to theme parks or to attend concerts or shows • Parents work commitments or business trips • Holidays taken in term time (including long weekends taken on Fridays and/or Mondays) • Parental illness 

    For more information, visit DuvalSchools.org/Attendance  If you have extenuating circumstances, experiencing a crisis or need support services, please contact the Attendance Response Team at sswservices@duvalschools.org or 904-390-2090.