The Compulsory School Attendance Law of Pennsylvania states that when a child enters kindergarten
he/she comes under the compulsory attendance laws. Policy 204 stipulates the following:
Excused Absences
- 1. Illness, including if a student is dismissed by designated District staff during school hours for health-related reasons.
- 2. Obtaining professional health care or therapy service rendered by a licensed practitioner of the healing arts in any state, commonwealth or territory.
- 3. Quarantine.
- 4. Family emergency.
- 5. Recovery from accident.
- 6. Required court attendance.
7. Death in family.
8. Participation in a project sponsored by a statewide or countywide 4-H, FFA or combined 4-H and FFA group, upon prior written request.
- 9. Participation in a musical performance in conjunction with a national veterans’ organization or incorporated unit, as defined in law, for an event or funeral.
- a. The national veterans’ organization or incorporated unit must provide the student with a signed excuse, which shall include the date, location, and time of the event or funeral.
- b. The student shall furnish the signed excuse to the District prior to being excused from school.
- 10. Observance of a religious holiday observed by a bona fide religious group, upon prior written request from the person in parental relation.
- 11. Nonschool-sponsored educational tours or trips, under the guidelines established in the section entitled Educational Trips below.
- 12. Medical documentation will be required for students who acquire ten (10) or more absences during
the school year. The policy indicates that pre-approved educational trips and absences for religious
holidays or religious instruction (within guidelines) will be considered a lawful absence and be exempt
from the 10 days of cumulative absence necessitating a physician’s statement.