Attendance

Good attendance is essential for student success. Studies show that students who attend school consistently are more likely to excel academically and graduate on time.

Regular school attendance builds habits that prepare students for future learning and life beyond the classroom. Many studies show that chronically absent students are less likely to be readers in the early grades and less likely to graduate.

Attendance Facts

Ohio law defines excessive absence as a student who is:

• Absent 38 or more hours in a month (excused or unexcused) or
• Absent 65 or more hours in a year (excused or unexcused)

Within 7 days of your child reaching the number of hours identified, you will receive a letter. The district will work with you to develop a truancy intervention plan to improve attendance.

Further, the law defines habitual truancy as:

• Absent 30+ consecutive hours without a legitimate excuse
• Absent 42+ hours in one month without a legitimate excuse
• Absent 72+ hours in one year without a legitimate excuse.

If this occurs, an Absence Intervention Team will work with families to remove barriers and create a plan for improvement. For detailed guidelines, refer to the Student Code of Conduct and Handbook.

Family Support

The SEL Schools student support team is available to help support families and students by:

• Offering strategies to overcome attendance challenges
• Meeting with families to develop personalized plans
• Connecting families with resources for success

Reach out to your school's office for assistance, or contact the Student Services Department at 216-691-

Tips for Attendance Success

• Set a routine: Establish bedtime and morning routines to create an easier transition to school each day.

• Plan ahead: Schedule appointments and vacations outside school hours when possible.

• Communicate: Let the school know if your child will be absent and work with staff to make up missed assignments and lessons.
• Explore more tips for success from Attendance Works!