Stay in School: There is a positive correlation between regular attendance and academic success. The Stay in School Program is a collaborative effort of community agencies with the purpose of reducing excessive school absence and tardiness. This is a joint venture between school, family, and community, which offers assistance to parents and students at an early intervention point in order to reduce time away from the classroom.

Attendance: The school board recognizes that regular attendance is necessary for the welfare of all students as well as the general morale of the entire school. Compulsory Attendance: “Every parent/guardian, or person who resides within any school district, or who resides upon any government base or installation without any school district, and has control over any educable child of any age of seven years to sixteen years who does not fall under the provision of sections 15-34 1-20, 15-34 1-03, shall send or take such child to a public school each year during the entire time such school is in session.” Reference North Dakota School Law (15-34 1-01)

If your child will not be in school, please call the school office and provide the following information:

1. Name of child

2. Classroom teacher

3. Reason for Absence. If you expect your child will be absent from school for more than one day, give the estimated duration.

Types of Absences: The Grafton Public District recognizes three types of absences.

Excused: Excused absences shall be those caused by illness, injury, family emergency, religious observance, or those absences granted in advance by the principal. In the case of an absence granted by the principal, the work must be made up ahead of time. The responsibility for making the absence excused rests with the parents and students.

Unexcused with parent/guardian’s knowledge and/or consent: If a student is absent with parent/guardian’s consent for reasons other than those stated above, the parent/guardian is expected to call the school’s office to explain the absence and the student will be subject to a penalty, since he/she will be in willful violation of school board regulations. If a child is absent more than three consecutive days, the school office shall contact the child’s parent/guardian. If the absences become habitual and the principal is not satisfied that the absences are excusable, the school shall file a report of suspected child abuse or neglect with the Walsh County Social Services and the State’s Attorney for appropriate action.

Truancy: “Truancy” defined as being absent from one or more classes without the consent of parent/guardian or school officials. Disciplinary action shall be taken in cases of truancy.

Instant Alert: Parents who have not called in or sent a note regarding their child’s absence may receive an instant alert message notifying them of their child’s absence. The absence will be unexcused until the parent calls or sends a note.