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

Parents of middle and high school students will receive a notification of the absence via phone call, text, or email even if the absence has been reported via our district system. 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.

Your student must make contact with their teacher about making up missed assignments/tests or they may receive a zero.

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 the note isn’t received within 2 days, the absence is considered unexcused. If a note is received within 2 days, the absence may be reclassified as excused. Unexcused absences are considered “unlawful absences” if the student is of compulsory school age.

The NCSD 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 must be submitted within 2 days after the absence occurs. 

A student absence is considered excused under the following circumstances:

• Illness (medical excuse required)
• Parental Note (ONLY 3 parental notes per semester)
• Death of an immediate family member (Two days may be excused with verification document.)
• Medical or dental appointment
• Pre-approved educational travel (not to exceed 2 days) – college visits or military exams
• Court hearing
• Care provided by a licensed health care or therapy practitioner
• “Rare and extraordinary circumstances” approved by the Superintendent 

Students who miss 18 or more school days, regardless of the reason, are considered chronically absent and may face academic and social challenges. The NCSD 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! 

For the 2023-2024 school year, the NCSD had chronic absenteeism rates of:

District – 22.5% of our students were chronically absent.

NCES – 19.79%

NCMS – 17.10%

NCHS – 30.27%

Review the state’s attendance policy

The Board requires that school-aged children enrolled in District schools attend school regularly in accordance with state laws. The educational program offered by the NCSD is predicated upon the presence of the child and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation.