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Eaton Rapids Public Schools

Growing the next generation of future leaders, thinkers, and problem-solvers.

ERPS Attendance and Truancy Policy

Did you know that school attendance is the leading indicator of your child’s lifelong success?

Attendance at ERPS

Every day counts! At Eaton Rapids Public Schools we care that every student shows up to school, all day every day. We are committed to working with families to ensure that every student attends school regularly and achieves their full potential. By prioritizing attendance, we can create a brighter future for all our students. When students arrive late or leave early from school an adult MUST sign them in or out at the office. If it is known in advance that absences from school must occur, the office should be notified of the reasons for the absence prior to the absence. It is advised that parents/guardians contact teachers before making decisions about taking students on trips during the school year to determine the effect these absences may have on their child’s academic performance. 

 

Attendance Policy   Annual Calendar   How You Can Help

Contact Information

If you have any questions, please contact your child’s building or:

Vicki Koehn
District Enrollment Coordinator
McKinney-Vento and Foster Care Liason
517-663-1262

Email

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.

How We Can Help

We understand that there are many reasons why your student might miss school. Our goal is to set you and your family up for success. If there are ways ERPS can help you, please reach out:

Eaton Rapids Public School's 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 to provide resources and support to families facing barriers to attendance.

Attendance Tips

Communicate with the school: Let the school know when your child will be absent. 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.  We understand this is not always possible, but even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience. 

District Attendance Policies

Regular and punctual attendance is essential to a student’s success at school. When students are absent, a parent/guardian is expected to notify the school office as soon as possible regarding the absence. Voicemail messaging is available outside of school hours. ERPS is committed to student academic engagement. To that extent, the schools will work with the Eaton County Court System to enforce the State of Michigan mandatory attendance law and eliminate truancy in our school district.

  • It is important that you contact your child’s school if your child is absent from school. 

    On the day of your student’s absence, you will receive a notification via phone call, text, or email for any unexcused absenses. Contacting parents and guardians of students who are not in class is an important measure undertaken by the District to ensure the safety of all of our students. 

  • Absences that are not excused may result in disciplinary action. 

    All absences are considered unexcused, until the school receives a note or email documenting a valid reason for the absence.  If the reason isn’t valid, the absence is still considered unexcused. If a note or call is received, the absence may be reclassified as excused. Unexcused absences are considered “unlawful absences” if the student is of compulsory school age.

  • ERPS recognizes that there may be legitimate reasons for absences, such as illness, family emergencies, or religious observances. Parents/guardians are required to provide documentation to excuse absences. Documentation may be submitted before or after the absense occurs.

    A student absence is considered excused under the following circumstances:

    • Illness
    • Recovery from accident
    • Required court attendance
    • Professional appointments
    • Death in the immediate family
    • Observation or celebration of a bona fide religious holiday
    • Such other good cause as may be acceptable to the Superintendent

  • Students who miss a significant number of school days, regardless of the reason, are considered chronically absent and may face academic and social challenges. ERPS is committed to working with families to address chronic absenteeism and support student success. We are committed to your child’s success and we are your partner. Together, we can set your student up for success! 

  • Review the state’s attendance policy

    The Board requires that school-aged pupils enrolled in District schools attend school regularly in accordance with state laws. The educational program offered by ERPS is predicated upon the presence of the pupil and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. Please refer to this document for more information.

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.