Attendance Policy and Procedures
The purpose of this article is to communicate the required attendance policy of Castle Creek Elementary School with students, parents, teachers, and any other interested community members.
School attendance is ultimately the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian. The law requires compulsory school attendance to age 18. The attendance records of any student who accrues five (5) unexcused absences in a calendar month or ten (10) unexcused absences in 90 calendar days may be obtained by law enforcement or the State Attorney for review and possible intervention.
Due to Orange County School Board Policy, we are not able to excuse absences by phone or email. All absences are unexcused unless written documentation with a parent/guardian signature is received in the Attendance Office and the absence deemed excused according to the Absence Policy. Absences for illness lasting three (3) or more consecutive school days require a doctor’s note.
Upon return to school from an absence, a written note stating the student’s name, the date(s) of the absence(s), the reason, the parent/guardian signature, and at least one working telephone number must be submitted to the Attendance Office. All notes need to be received within 48 hours of the student’s return. The Attendance Clerk will determine whether the absence is excused or unexcused based on criteria set by the Orange County School Board.
Based on Criteria set by the Orange County School Board, excused absences for Castle Creek Elementary School include the following:
- Illness, injury or other insurmountable condition of the student.
- Serious illness or death of a family member of the student’s IMMEDIATE family (student’s brother, sister, parents).
- Recognized (or established) religious holidays and/or religious instruction.
- Medical appointments WITH A DOCTOR’S NOTE.
- Participation in an approved activity or class of instruction held at another site.
- A prearranged absence of educational value with the Principal’s prior approval.
- Pediculosis (head lice) infestation – up to four (4) days during the school year.
- Catastrophic disasters that significantly impact the life of the student (e.g. loss of residence from natural disaster).
A Pre-Notification of Student Absence form should be completed for any student who will knowingly be absent for something other than illness. lease note that completion of a Pre-Notification of Student Absence form does not automatically ensure the absence will be excused; it is simply a way of notifying the school prior to the absence. Personal trips and vacations during the school year are not excused absences. If you have any questions about the Attendance Policy, please contact the Attendance Office at 407-207-7428 ext. 4162232.