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MAMS VISION

Student absent, arriving late or leaving early? Send an email to: mamattendance@carrollk12.org 

Carroll County Public Schools recognizes the relationship between good attendance and academic achievement. All students are expected to maintain a regular, daily attendance rate of at least 96 percent. When students are absent, arrive late, or leave school before the scheduled dismissal time, their parents are requested to provide an explanation to the school via a written note, fax, e-mail, or phone call. A parent/legal guardian must provide an explanation of the absence within 5 school days of the student’s return to school or the absence will be coded as unlawful.

Tardiness is treated in a similar manner as lawful or unlawful absences as it can be a serious disruption to a student’s educational progress.

Student attendance requirements are described in the Annotated Code of Maryland and Code of Maryland Regulations. These absences are considered lawful and therefore excused with a parent explanation of the absence:

An absence for any portion of the day, for any reason other than lawful excuses or emergencies as determined by the Carroll County Public Schools Superintendent or his designee, is presumed to be unlawful and may constitute truancy.

It is strongly recommended that parents plan vacations for times when school is not in regular session. It is recognized, however, that occasionally students are absent for necessary or important family activities. When this occurs, an excused absence may be requested in advance, through the school principal. Even though the absence may be excused, students are required to make up work missed during that time. It must be kept in mind that grades may be affected if students fail to follow through with make-up work. Some school work missed, such as class participation or laboratory experiments, does not lend itself to make-up. Missing such assignments may also affect a student’s grade.

Doctor’s notes may be required for absences when excessive or unlawful absences occur.