• The legislature defined how excuses may be used for school attendance.
• The new law states: A personal illness or injury of the student's parent, guardian, custodian, or family member: provided that the excuse must provide a reasonable explanation for why the student's absence was necessary and caused by the illness or injury in the family and must not exceed a total of 10 absences. {concurrent with the 10 mentioned above.}
• A medical or dental appointment with written excuse from a physician or dentist.
• A personal illness or injury of the student accompanied by a timely written excuse from the student's parent, guardian or custodian limited to 10 total absences [5 first semester and 5 second semester] unless supported by a chronic health condition or disability that adversely impacts in-person attendance written by a physician and approved by the principal. Absences of students with disabilities shall be in accordance with the IDEA of 2024 and the federal and state regulations adopted in compliance therewith.
• A death in the family.
• A school-approved or county - approved curricular or extra-curricular activities.
• A judicial obligation or court appearance involving the student.
• A military requirement for students enlisted or enlisting in the military.
• A failure of the bus to run due to hazardous conditions.

Excellent attendance correlates to higher career achievement and earnings potential. And not just that! It correlates to better physical and mental health, healthier relationships, and a happier quality of life. Something we want for every child!