Paris Special School District

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

On the day of your student’s absence, you will receive a ParentSquare notification 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.

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 [##] days, the absence is considered unexcused. If a note is received within [##] days, the absence may be reclassified as excused. Unexcused absences are considered “unlawful absences” if the student is of compulsory school age.

[School District Name] 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 [##] of days after the absence occurs. 

A student absence is considered excused under the following circumstances:

• Illness
• Family emergency
• Death of a family member
• Medical or dental appointment
• Pre-approved educational travel (not to exceed [##] days)
• Pre-approved religious instruction (not to exceed [##] hours/year)
• Bona Fide religious holiday
• Pre-approved tutoring exception (see Policy for details)
• Court hearing
• Dismissed from school by a school nurse or administrator
• Care provided by a licensed health care or therapy practitioner
• Parent deployed for or on leave from combat posting
• “Rare and extraordinary circumstances” approved by the Superintendent (this is very narrowly defined)

Students who miss a significant number of school days, regardless of the reason, are considered chronically absent and may face academic and social challenges. Paris Special School District 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! 

The Board requires that school-aged pupils enrolled in District schools attend school regularly in accordance with state laws. The educational program offered by Paris Special School District is predicated upon the presence of the pupil and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. Please refer to [Site Name linked to URL] for more information.

T.C.A. 49-6–3001 – School Age - (c) (1) Every parent, guardian or other person residing within this state having control or charge of any child or children between six (6) years of age and seventeen (17) years of age, both inclusive, shall cause such child or children to attend public or non-public school, and in event of failure to do so, shall be subject to the penalties hereinafter provided. (The courts have ruled that the word "inclusive" requires a child to attend school until the day before his/her eighteenth birthday.)

T.C.A. 49-6–3007 – Attendance and truancy reports. - (e) (1) It is the duty of the principal or teacher of every public, private or parochial school to report promptly to the superintendent, or to the superintendent’s designated representative, the names of all children who have withdrawn from school, or who have been absent five (5) days (this means an aggregate of five (5) days during the school year and not necessarily five (5) consecutive days) without adequate excuse. Each successive accumulation of five (5) unexcused absences by a student shall also be reported.

T.C.A. 49-6–3009 – Penalty for Violations - (a) Any parent, guardian or other person who has control of a child, or children, and who violates the provisions of this part commits a Class C misdemeanor. (b) Each day's unlawful absence constitutes a separate offense.

T.C.A. 40-35–111 – Terms of Imprisonment or Fines - (3) Class C misdemeanor, not greater than thirty (30) days or a fine not to exceed fifty dollars ($50.00), or both, unless otherwise provided by statute.

Further questions may be directed to:

Joey Brush, Attendance Supervisor

731-642-9322 ext. 02