Student Attendance and Exemption from School
Summary of Policy S-4
Student Services Department, Salt Lake City School District
Because of the Salt Lake City School District's commitment to quality education, we are concerned when a child misses school for any reason. The process of education requires a continuity of instruction, class participation, learning experience, and study. Frequent absences of students from day-to-day classroom experiences disrupt the educational and the instructional process.
Utah Compulsory Attendance Laws (Code 53A-11-101-105) requires that every school age child (ages 6-18) be enrolled in school and attend regularly. Parents and students are responsible for regular attendance. Students may be excused from school attendance for valid and legitimate reasons, including illness, medical appointment, family emergencies, death of family member or close friend, observance of religious holidays, and family activity or travel (approved and arranged in advance with the principal).
A note to the school explaining your student's absence is required of each day your student misses school.
In the Salt Lake City School District:
1. After five (5) or more days of unexcused absences (or equivalent class periods) within a school year, a First Truancy Notification and Citation will be issued requesting parent's help with their student's attendance.
2. After ten (10) or more days of unexcused absences (or equivalent class periods) within a school year, a Second Truancy Notification and Citation will be issued. Parents must schedule a conference with school officials to attempt to resolve the student's attendance issues.
3. A student is considered to be "habitually truant" when he/she has received two or more truancy citations within a school year.
4. After fifteen (15) or more days of unexcused absences (or equivalent class periods) within a school year, a Third Truancy Citation and Notice of Pre-Court Hearing will be issued requiring an appearance at a Pre-Court Hearing. Parents or guardians with students under the age of 12, including school information, may be referred to Salt Lake County District Attorney. Students older than 12 years of age, including school information, may be referred to the Third District Juvenile Court.
To appeal a Truancy Citation, submit the appeal in writing to the Student Services Committee (SSC) at the school where your child is enrolled. Appeals must be submitted to the SSC within 10 days of the date the citation was issued. Refer to Policy S-4 and S-4 Administrative Procedures .
If you have questions about your child's attendance, including excused and unexcused absences, please contact the school where your child is enrolled. Your support and cooperation are appreciated.
