Student Attendance
We want to thank you in advance for working with us to ensure your child receives the best possible
education. At school, we strive to provide every opportunity for our students to succeed, and one of
the most important contributors to that success is a student's regular attendance. For that reason, all
absences (excused and unexcused), tardies, and early checkouts are recorded daily (and for every
class period in middle and high school). All excessive tardies and absences will still be reported to
Cheatham County Schools' Attendance Supervisor.
education. At school, we strive to provide every opportunity for our students to succeed, and one of
the most important contributors to that success is a student's regular attendance. For that reason, all
absences (excused and unexcused), tardies, and early checkouts are recorded daily (and for every
class period in middle and high school). All excessive tardies and absences will still be reported to
Cheatham County Schools' Attendance Supervisor.
While we know regular school attendance is beneficial for students, it is also required by law. The
Tennessee Compulsory Attendance Law requires all school-aged children to attend school. The law
also states that the parent or guardian must monitor the student's school attendance and ensure the
student participates in school activities.
Please note that Cheatham County Board of Education Policy 6.200 classifies excused absences,
with proper documentation, as the following:
- Personal illness;
- Illness of an immediate family member;
- Death in the family;
- Extreme weather conditions;
- Religious observances;
- College visits;
- Pregnancy;
- School-sponsored or school-endorsed activities;
- Summons, subpoena, or court order; or Circumstances which, in
the judgment of the principal, create emergencies over which the student has no control.
Additionally, Cheatham County allows up to five (5) parent days per year.
All other absences, or absences without proper documentation, are considered unexcused and will be recorded accordingly. Five (S) unexcused absences will result in a student being truant and moved
into Tier 2 of the Progressive Truancy Plan.
into Tier 2 of the Progressive Truancy Plan.
Please refer to Cheatham County Board of Education Procedure 6.200.1 for details on the tiered system. Chronic absenteeism is when a student misses more than 10% of school in a year for any reason. This amounts to 18 days per year. Attendance plays a significant role not only in the education of your student but in the accountability of your child's school. Together, we can ensure your child receives the best education possible. If you have any questions regarding your child's attendance, please get in touch with our school office.
Attendance is a key factor in student achievement, and therefore, students are expected to be present each day school is in session.
The following attachments are the Cheatham County School District's attendance policy and the policy's administrative procedures:
