Under the Compulsory School Law of Tennessee, all children under the age of 17 are required to attend school. The law states that students absent more than five days without proper excuse are in violation of law 1409:
- Student’s personal illness (Physician’s statement may be required)
- Death in the family
- Religious holidays regularly observed by persons of this faith.
Poor attendance constitutes one of our greatest educational losses. Most absences are unnecessary, and we want students to realize the importance of attending every class each day Walter J. Baird School is in session. Not only do students need to be here every day for their education, but each day they miss, the school loses money due to the Average Daily Attendance requirements.
Should a student find it necessary to be absent from school, he/she should have his/her parents or guardian notify the school. In the event the school is not notified, the office will attempt to contact the home to find out the reason for the absence.
Upon return to school, every student must have a note from his/her parent or guardian when he/she is absent or leaves school before regular dismissal.
Sample Note for being absent
Date of Return to school________________________
_____________________________________________was absent
(First name) (Last name)
___________________________due to _________________
(Give dates) (Reason for absent
_______________________
(Signature of parent or guardian)
A doctor’s note is an acceptable excuse.
An admit slip will be given to the student when he/she returns to school by the assistant principal. This slip will be necessary for admission to any class missed while absent. The teacher of every class missed is to sign the absentee form, and it is the responsibility of the student to see that each teacher signs it.