September 5, 2024
Dear Parents/Guardians,
Due to recent changes to the Iowa Code (SF 2435) concerning student absenteeism, truancy, and compulsory attendance requirements, we are revising our district’s attendance policies to ensure compliance with the new legal requirements. With these policy changes, our goal is to enhance our procedures, give parents and students clearer guidelines, and reduce school absenteeism.
Riverside Community School District understands regular school attendance is crucial for your child’s academic success. When a student is absent from school, even for a few hours, they miss out on vital instruction and learning time needed for future achievement. Much of what occurs in the classroom cannot be duplicated through make-up work, causing kids to fall behind. Also, creating a habit of good attendance helps students learn the future skills, persistence, and grit needed to show up every day for college and work.
Key Changes to Absence Policy:
Compulsory Attendance Law: Iowa law requires all children between the ages of 6 and 16, by September 15th of each year, who are in proper physical and mental condition, to attend school. Students must attend school for the total number of days or hours per the school calendar. The following exemptions apply to the compulsory attendance policy:
Completion of graduation requirements or high school equivalency diploma.
Excusal for sufficient training reason by a court or judge.
Attendance at religious services or religious instruction.
Inability to attend due to documented medical reasons.
An individualized education program (IEP) affecting attendance.
A plan under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act affecting attendance.
Attendance at other approved institutions (college prep, accredited nonpublic school, homeschooling, etc.)
Chronic Absenteeism: Riverside CSD defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10% of the days or hours in a semester (approximately 57 hours or 8 days). If a student misses 10% or more days in a semester, the school will send a certified letter to their parent or guardian and notify the county attorney. No legal action will be taken at this time.
Truancy: Riverside CSD defines truancy as missing 20% or more days/hours per semester (approximately 113 hours or 17 days). If a student reaches 15% absenteeism, the student and their parent/guardian are required to attend a School Engagement Meeting with school officials. During this meeting, an Absenteeism Prevention Plan will be created to prevent more absences. That plan will be signed by the parent/guardian and a school representative. If a parent/guardian refuses to sign the Plan, the matter will be referred to the county attorney. Following this meeting, parents/guardians will receive weekly updates from the school regarding their child’s attendance for the remainder of the school year.
Absence Types: The new legislation does not differentiate between excused and unexcused absences; all absences count toward the total time missed and are included in the 10% and 15% absenteeism rates. This means that the notification and intervention process will occur at these thresholds, regardless of the type of absence.
What you can do to help:
Monitor Attendance: Keep track of how many days your child has missed, and aim to keep absences to a minimum.
Communicate with School Staff: If your child is struggling with attending school, please let us know. We are here to help and can offer support or resources to address any challenges.
Establish Routines: Setting a consistent routine for bedtime, wake-up, and getting ready for school can help your child arrive on time and ready to learn.
If you have any questions or concerns about Senate File 2435 or need assistance with your child’s attendance, please do not hesitate to contact us. We are here to support you in ensuring your child’s success in school.
Thank you for your partnership in promoting good attendance habits for your child.
Sincerely,
Dr. Stephanie Anderson
Superintendent