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Attendance, Health-Related Absences & Emergency Contacts

Student Attendance Matters

Consistent school attendance is essential for academic success and overall student well-being. From kindergarten through high school, students who attend school regularly are more likely to stay on track, achieve academic goals, and build positive connections with peers and staff.

Families play a critical role in supporting daily attendance and recognizing when a student is truly too ill to attend. ISD 728 encourages open communication between home and school regarding student absences.

 

Reporting an Absence

If your child is absent from school due to illness or other reasons, please notify your school’s attendance office each day of the absence by following ISD 728 Reporting Guidelines. 

Updating Emergency Contact Information

It is the parent or guardian's responsibility to keep emergency contact information current. You can use Parent Portal to review and update your Household Family and Emergency Contact Information on file with ISD 728. Please visit the Household Updates Webpage for further information. 

 

ISD 728 Attendance Policy

ISD 728’s Attendance Policy outlines expectations for:

  • Daily attendance

  • Timely reporting of absences

  • Partnership with families to resolve attendance concerns

  • Medical documentation, when needed, to support prolonged or frequent absences

Details about attendance expectations can also be found in your student’s school handbook. These resources help guide families on school-specific procedures, attendance coding, and communication expectations.

For full policy details, visit: isd728.org/attendancepolicy

When Health Impacts Attendance

Students may need to stay home due to illness, injury, or medical conditions. Health Services works closely with families to:

  • Support safe return to school after illness or surgery

  • Coordinate with providers on health-related accommodations

  • Monitor patterns of illness-related absences

If your child has frequent health-related absences, we may request documentation from a healthcare provider and can offer support through an Individual Health Plan (IHP), 504 Plan, or other services.

Tips for Promoting Healthy Attendance

  • Schedule routine medical and dental appointments outside of school hours, when possible

  • Keep your child home only when symptoms truly limit participation

  • Communicate early and often with the school nurse or health office

  • If your child has a chronic health condition, work with school staff on a care plan to minimize missed days

Questions or Concerns?

If you have questions about attendance policies, illness-related absences, or how to support your child’s return to school, please contact:

Your school's health office or visit isd728.org/healthservices

Together, we can promote healthy habits and strong attendance to help every student thrive.