Regular attendance is a crucial factor in a child's success at school and is required by Florida Law. Each parent or guardian of a child within compulsory attendance age is responsible for the child's school attendance. However, if a student is absent he/she must bring a note the next day signed and dated by a parent/guardian stating when and why the student was absent. The note is to be taken by the student to the appropriate grade level office. Please be sure the student's full name is included in the note.
Students without notes from a parent/guardian will be given an unexcused absence. Changes in State Law stipulate that the State Attorney General's Office may become involved in truancy situations. The first notification occurs upon 5 unexcused absences.
Unexcused absences will be replaced by excused absences if an acceptable note is presented within two school days. Florida law requires students to attend school each day school is in session.
Excused absences fall under the following conditions:
- Illness of a student.
- Serious illness or death of a member of student's immediate family.
- Special and recognized religious holidays observed by the student's faith.
- Other conditions of an emergency or educational nature that cannot be scheduled outside school hours, as determined by the administration.
It is the student's responsibility to make-up any work missed while absent.
When you need a prearranged absence, a Prearranged Absence Form can be obtained from the grade level office. This form should be completed by your parent/guardian and returned to the grade level office at least two school days prior to the absence.
A STUDENT MUST BE PRESENT AT LEAST HALF A DAY (4 PERIODS) IN ORDER TO BE COUNTED PRESENT FOR THE DAY.
Once a student arrives on campus he/she may not leave the school grounds without permission.
Click here to view the detailed OCPS Attentance Policies: Student Attendance Policy 5 22 12.pdf