Attendance at Warsaw Schools
Warsaw Community Schools believes regular attendance is essential to student success. Students learn best when they are present, engaged, and participating in classroom instruction. Research consistently shows a strong connection between attendance and academic achievement.
Indiana law requires students to attend school regularly unless excused for a valid reason. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their children attend school as required by law. The Compulsory Attendance Law (IC 20-33-2-28) states that it is unlawful for a parent to fail, neglect, or refuse to send a child to school as required by law unless the child is receiving equivalent instruction. Attendance concerns may be referred to the Prosecuting Attorney for further action.
Attendance Expectations
Indiana law requires students to attend school regularly unless excused for a valid reason. Parents and guardians are responsible for ensuring their children attend school as required by law.
Students are expected to be in school every day and arrive on time. When an absence is necessary, families should notify the school as soon as possible.
- Elementary families must notify the school by 10:00 a.m.
- Secondary families must notify the school by 9:00 a.m.
- Absences not reported within 24 hours may be considered truancy.
Attendance Thresholds
Students may accumulate absences throughout the school year; however:
- After 10 total absences, additional absences must be verified by a doctor's note or approved by a school administrator to be considered excused.
- Without verification, additional absences will be considered unexcused.
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Contact Information
If you have any questions, please contact:
Daisy Hollon
Attendance Officer
dhollon@warsawschools.org
574-371-5098 ext. 2492
Attendance Guidelines
Parents or guardians must notify the school by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the absence.
Students arriving after:
- 9:10 a.m. (9:20 a.m. at Claypool, Leesburg, and Madison) but before 11:00 a.m. (11:10 a.m. at Claypool, Leesburg, and Madison) will be considered tardy unless arriving with a medical excuse.
- 11:00 a.m. (11:10 a.m. at Claypool, Leesburg, and Madison) will be counted absent for the morning half-day.
- Students must arrive before 3:00 p.m. to be counted present for the afternoon.
Parents or guardians must notify the school by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence.
If a parent or guardian does not contact the school within twenty-four (24) hours of the absence, the absence may be considered truancy.
Secondary attendance is tracked by class period. Students are expected to be in class and seated when the bell rings. Students arriving after 7:55 a.m. will be marked tardy. Students accumulating excessive tardies may be referred to school administration and may receive disciplinary consequences.
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0-3 Class Periods: Present for Full Day
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4-5 Class Periods: Half-Day Absent
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5-7 Class Periods: Full-Day Absent
Warsaw Community Schools build a total of three asynchronous eLearning days into the school calendar each year.
eLearning days are used in connection with inclement weather that prevents traditional, in-person learning from safely taking place.
Students must complete the assigned work to be counted “present” on the eLearning day; however, they have additional time beyond the eLearning day to access and complete work. If work is not submitted before the final day, the student will be counted absent.
- At the elementary level, work is due three days after the eLearning day.
- At the secondary level, work is due two days after the eLearning day.
Students are required to make up missed assignments, quizzes, tests, examinations, and other coursework resulting from absences.
It is the responsibility of the student and parent or guardian to communicate with teachers and arrange for completion of make-up work.
Teachers will determine timelines and expectations for completing missed work.
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Parents or guardians must notify the school by 10:00 a.m. on the day of the absence.
Students arriving after:
- 9:10 a.m. (9:20 a.m. at Claypool, Leesburg, and Madison) but before 11:00 a.m. (11:10 a.m. at Claypool, Leesburg, and Madison) will be considered tardy unless arriving with a medical excuse.
- 11:00 a.m. (11:10 a.m. at Claypool, Leesburg, and Madison) will be counted absent for the morning half-day.
- Students must arrive before 3:00 p.m. to be counted present for the afternoon.
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Parents or guardians must notify the school by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence.
If a parent or guardian does not contact the school within twenty-four (24) hours of the absence, the absence may be considered truancy.
Secondary attendance is tracked by class period. Students are expected to be in class and seated when the bell rings. Students arriving after 7:55 a.m. will be marked tardy. Students accumulating excessive tardies may be referred to school administration and may receive disciplinary consequences.
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0-3 Class Periods: Present for Full Day
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4-5 Class Periods: Half-Day Absent
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5-7 Class Periods: Full-Day Absent
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Warsaw Community Schools build a total of three asynchronous eLearning days into the school calendar each year.
eLearning days are used in connection with inclement weather that prevents traditional, in-person learning from safely taking place.
Students must complete the assigned work to be counted “present” on the eLearning day; however, they have additional time beyond the eLearning day to access and complete work. If work is not submitted before the final day, the student will be counted absent.
- At the elementary level, work is due three days after the eLearning day.
- At the secondary level, work is due two days after the eLearning day.
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Students are required to make up missed assignments, quizzes, tests, examinations, and other coursework resulting from absences.
It is the responsibility of the student and parent or guardian to communicate with teachers and arrange for completion of make-up work.
Teachers will determine timelines and expectations for completing missed work.
Attendance Definitions
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Recognized reasons for excused absences include:
- Court appearances
- Illness or injury
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When a student is absent due to illness or injury, the parent or guardian must notify the school by the required reporting time.
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If the principal or designee determines that absences due to illness or injury have become excessive or extended, additional documentation may be required and attendance interventions may be implemented.
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- Death in the immediate family
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When a death in the family requires a student to miss school, parents should contact the school as soon as possible so the absence may be considered for excusal.
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For attendance purposes, immediate family includes:
- Mother
- Father
- Brother
- Sister
- Grandmother
- Grandfather
- Aunt
- Uncle
- Cousin
- Brother-in-law
- Sister-in-law
- Additional relationships may be considered at the discretion of the principal or designee.
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- Family emergencies approved by the principal or designee
- When a emergency situation requires a student to miss school, parents should contact the school as soon as possible so the absence may be considered for excusal.
- Medical, dental, orthodontic, or other healthcare appointments. If a student must leave school for a medical appointment:
- A written request from the parent or guardian is required.
- The request should include the appointment time and requested release time.
- Upon returning to school, the student should provide documentation from the medical provider showing the appointment time.
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Students are expected to attend school before and after appointments whenever possible.
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Students absent beyond the appointment time and reasonable travel time, as determined by the building administrator, may be considered unexcused.
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Students receiving prolonged or ongoing medical treatment should provide documentation to the school nurse.
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If a student is expected to miss 20 or more instructional days due to a documented medical condition, WCS will work with the family to develop an educational plan. Medical documentation is required.
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Students will not be released from school during the school day without parent or guardian approval and authorization from school officials, except in emergency situations.
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Any student leaving school without permission from school officials may be considered truant.
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- A written request from the parent or guardian is required.
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Religious Observances
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Absences related to participation in faith-based holidays, religious observances, or religious practices.
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- Other absences arranged in advance and approved by the principal or designee
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An absence may be considered unexcused if it:
- Does not meet the criteria for an excused absence
- Is not approved by school administration
- Is not reported within the required timeframe
Examples include:
- Oversleeping
- Shopping trips
- Work obligations
- Transportation issues
- Unapproved family vacations
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A student is considered tardy when they arrive after the start of the school day or after the start of a class period but are still present for instruction.
Elementary Schools
A student is considered tardy if they arrive:
- After 9:10 a.m. (but before 11:00 a.m) at Eisenhower, Harrison, Jefferson, Lincoln, Washington, and Lakeview
- After 9:20 a.m. (but before 11:10 a.m) at Claypool, Leesburg, and Madison
Students arriving after 11:00 a.m. (11:10 a.m. at Claypool, Leesburg, and Madison) will be counted absent for the morning half-day.
Secondary Schools
A student is considered tardy if they:
- Arrive at school after 7:55 a.m.
- Arrive late to an individual class period after the bell rings
- Students are expected to be in class and seated when the bell rings.
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- A student who is absent from school or class without permission from home and/or school is considered truant.
- A student providing false information by telephone or presenting a forged or false note will be considered truant.
- Absences not reported within twenty-four (24) hours may be considered truancy.
***Habitually Truant: A student who accumulates 10 or more unexcused absences in a school year.
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A student who misses 10% or more of the school year for any reason, including both excused and unexcused absences.
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Warsaw Community Schools recognizes that some travel experiences can provide valuable educational opportunities for students. In certain circumstances, families may request an WCS Attendance Exemption Form for trips that offer meaningful learning experiences outside the classroom. Approved activities may include:
- Legislative duties (e.g., serving as a page for the General Assembly)
- Election participation (precinct work or candidate support)
- Court subpoenaed appearances
- Active military service (15+ days/year)
- Civil Air Patrol service (up to 5 days)
- Approved educationally related non-classroom activities
- Indiana State Fair participation (FFA, 4-H)
How to Apply
Families must complete the WCS Attendance Exemption Form and submit it to the school before the trip. The form asks families to explain the educational value of the travel experience.
Student Learning Requirement
Students approved for an Educational Travel Attendance Exemption will be expected to share what they learned from their experience after returning to school. This may take many forms, including:
- A travel journal or reflection
- A photo essay with captions
- A poster or display board
- A slide presentation
- A short video reflection
- A map or itinerary project
- A science, history, or cultural report
- Another project approved by the teacher
The goal is to allow students to reflect on their learning while sharing their experience with classmates.
Important Guidelines
- Families may request one Educational Travel Attendance Exemption per school year.
- Educational Travel Attendance Exemptions may not exceed five instructional days.
- Approved Educational Travel Attendance Exemptions do not count as absences.
- Educational Travel Attendance Exemptions may be used before a student reaches the 10 excused absence threshold.
- Students are responsible for making up missed assignments and assessments.
- Teachers may work with families to make up essential coursework but are not required to provide daily assignments while a student is away.
Approval Process
Educational Travel Attendance Exemptions are approved at the discretion of the building principal.
When reviewing requests, principals may consider:
- The student's attendance history
- The student's academic progress
- The educational value of the proposed experience
If a request is not approved, families may still choose to proceed with the trip; however, the absence will be handled according to the district's attendance policy.
Why Attendance Matters
Academic Achievement
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time, and pursue higher education opportunities.
Social and Emotional Development
School provides a supportive environment where students can develop social skills, build friendships, and enhance their emotional well-being.
Future Success
Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Yes. All absences, whether excused or unexcused, count toward a student's total absences for the school year. Excused absences are approved and do not count as truancy.
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If a student accumulates 10 absences during the school year (regardless of reason/type), additional absences must be verified by a doctor's note or approved by a school administrator to be considered excused.
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Parents should notify the school as soon as possible. Absences not reported within 24 hours may be considered truancy.
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Examples of excused absences include:
- Illness or injury
- Medical or dental appointments
- Death in the immediate family
- Family emergencies approved by administration
- Court appearances
- Approved educational opportunities
- Other absences approved by the principal or designee
Excused absences still count towards the total absences for the year, but do not count toward truancy.
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Yes. Time missed for medical appointments counts toward a student's total absences. Students should attend school before and after appointments whenever possible.
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Students who are absent for the entire school day due to illness, injury, suspension, or an unexcused absence may not participate in extracurricular activities that day.
If a student is absent for only part of the day, they must be present for the final half of the school day to participate unless an approved exception applies.
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A written request must be submitted to the school at least five school days before the first day of the absence. Academic performance and attendance history may be considered when determining approval.
Even when approved, family vacations count toward a student's total absences for the school year.
A maximum of five school days may be approved during a school year.
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In some situations, additional documentation or information may allow an absence to be reviewed by school administration. Families should contact the school office as soon as possible regarding attendance concerns.
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A doctor's note is not automatically required for every illness-related absence. However, if a student accumulates 10 absences during the school year, additional absences must be verified by a doctor's note or approved by a school official to be considered excused.
A doctor's note may also be used to verify an absence and is generally accepted for illness-related absences. However, Warsaw Community Schools reserves the right to review attendance records and determine whether an absence meets the requirements of the attendance policy.
The principal or designee may also request medical documentation if absences due to illness become excessive or extended.
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Yes. Time missed due to illness counts toward a student's total absences. Depending on the amount of instructional time missed, the absence may be recorded as a partial-day or full-day absence.
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Families should contact the school office as soon as possible if circumstances beyond their control affect attendance. Attendance situations are reviewed on a case-by-case basis, and school administration may consider the circumstances when determining whether a tardy or absence should be excused.
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Elementary students arriving after 11:00 a.m. (11:10 a.m. at Claypool, Leesburg, and Madison) are considered absent for the morning half of the day. Students who are not present before 3:00 p.m. may be considered absent for the afternoon.
Secondary attendance is tracked by class period rather than by half-day increments. A student who misses a class period will be marked absent for that period.
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0-3 Class Periods: Present for Full Day
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4-5 Class Periods: Half-Day Absent
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5-7 Class Periods: Full-Day Absent
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Attendance Interventions
Warsaw Community Schools may use various interventions to improve attendance.
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If a student accumulates five unexcused absences within a 10-week period:
- An attendance conference may be scheduled
- An attendance prevention plan may be developed
- Additional support services may be offered
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Students who accumulate 10 unexcused absences may be referred to the Kosciusko County Prosecutor's Office as required by Indiana law.
Additional consequences may include:
- In-school suspension
- After-school detention
- Suspension from extracurricular activities
- Attendance officer involvement
- Other disciplinary consequences deemed appropriate by school administration
Our Commitment
Clear Attendance Policies
We maintain clear and consistent attendance policies, emphasizing the importance of regular school attendance.
Supportive Environment
We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel valued and connected.
Early Intervention
We identify and address attendance concerns early, working collaboratively with families to find solutions.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with community partners such as Bowen Health to provide resources and support to families facing barriers to attendance.
Athletics & Extracurricular Participation
Students who are absent from school for the entire day due to illness, injury, suspension, and/or an unexcused absence are not permitted to participate in extracurricular activities that day.
Extracurricular activities include:
- Athletic practices
- Athletic contests and events
- Club meetings
- Rehearsals
- Tryouts
- Performances
- Other school-sponsored extracurricular activities
If a student is absent for only part of the day, the student must be present for the final half of his or her scheduled school day in order to participate in extracurricular activities.
Exceptions
Exceptions may be granted for:
- Doctor appointments arranged in advance
- Dental appointments arranged in advance
- School-sponsored field trips
- Funerals
- Death in the immediate family
- Other absences approved by the principal or designee
- Absences permitted by state law
The building principal or designee reserves the right to review attendance situations and make determinations based on individual circumstances.
Students in grades 4–6 are eligible to try out for interscholastic athletics offered by Warsaw Community Schools.
To participate, students must:
- Be fully enrolled in a Warsaw Community Schools elementary school for the entire school day (100% of the day) for the entire school year.
- Meet attendance requirements established by the school.
- Have a completed physical examination on file before participating in tryouts, practices, or competitions.
Physical examinations must be dated on or after May 1 for participation during the upcoming school year.
These eligibility expectations help prepare students for participation requirements established for high school athletics.
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Students who are absent from school for the entire day due to illness, injury, suspension, and/or an unexcused absence are not permitted to participate in extracurricular activities that day.
Extracurricular activities include:
- Athletic practices
- Athletic contests and events
- Club meetings
- Rehearsals
- Tryouts
- Performances
- Other school-sponsored extracurricular activities
If a student is absent for only part of the day, the student must be present for the final half of his or her scheduled school day in order to participate in extracurricular activities.
Exceptions
Exceptions may be granted for:
- Doctor appointments arranged in advance
- Dental appointments arranged in advance
- School-sponsored field trips
- Funerals
- Death in the immediate family
- Other absences approved by the principal or designee
- Absences permitted by state law
The building principal or designee reserves the right to review attendance situations and make determinations based on individual circumstances.
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Students in grades 4–6 are eligible to try out for interscholastic athletics offered by Warsaw Community Schools.
To participate, students must:
- Be fully enrolled in a Warsaw Community Schools elementary school for the entire school day (100% of the day) for the entire school year.
- Meet attendance requirements established by the school.
- Have a completed physical examination on file before participating in tryouts, practices, or competitions.
Physical examinations must be dated on or after May 1 for participation during the upcoming school year.
These eligibility expectations help prepare students for participation requirements established for high school athletics.
Attendance Tips
Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can.
Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home. If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator.
Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning. If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal.
Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours. Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience.
We believe that strong partnerships between families and schools are essential for ensuring student success. By working together, we can create a culture of attendance where every student feels motivated and supported to attend school every day.