What is Chronic Absenteeism?

Per the Illinois School Code, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of school days during the most recent academic school year. The total absence count consists of excused and unexcused absences (with or without valid cause).

Why does it matter?

Missing just 1 or 2 days every few weeks can make it harder to: 

• Gain reading and math skills
• Build friendships with peers and adults
• Graduate high school

Please understand when you receive attendance notices from the district, that regular communication of your child’s attendance record is required by Illinois School Code Section 22-92. Please take a moment to review Batavia Public School District’s tiered attendance guidelines and thresholds. Here is a summary of the policy:

Additional “When is too sick” flyers: Spanish / Tagalog / Chinese / Vietnamese

Students must stay home if they currently have one or more of the following symptoms:

• Temperature of 100.4 degrees or higher
• Vomiting two or more times during the previous 24 hours
• Watery stool (may not make it to the bathroom in time)

We understand that there may be circumstances that occasionally necessitate your child’s absence from school, such as illness or family emergencies. In such cases, please communicate with us promptly, and we will work together to support your child’s continued learning.

How to Report an Absence

To report an absence, please call the attendance line of the student’s school (below) and provide:

1. The student’s name
2. The student’s teacher (if elementary)
3. The reason for missing school
4. Indicate if the student has any of the following symptoms:
   • Cough
   • Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
   • Fatigue
   • Muscle or body aches
   • Headache
   • The recent loss of taste or smell
   • Sore throat
   • Congestion or runny nose
   • Nausea or vomiting
   • Diarrhea
   • Fever

With the support of BPS101, how can you encourage regular school attendance for your students?

As our partner in your child’s education, we value, appreciate, and seek out your involvement and collaboration for your child’s success. We are asking all parents to help us ensure the regular, on-time attendance of their children at school. We monitor attendance closely because research has shown that regular attendance is vital for children’s success in school. All absences, even excused ones, impact your child’s learning.

Here are some ways you can help us to ensure your child has the best learning opportunity:

• Schedule non-urgent appointments and extended trips when school is not in session.
• Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent.
• If your child seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, school counselors, and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable and excited about learning.
• If your child must stay home due to verified illness, check Google Classroom to stay current with assignments.

Communication regarding your student’s attendance will be sent out quarterly if they meet the above attendance Tiers. Parents can check attendance records in the Parent Portal for PowerSchool.

1. Login to the Online Portal for PowerSchool
2. In the left-side menu, select Attendance History.
3. The codes are defined in the Legend at the Bottom of the page.