Students shall be counted in attendance if they are actually present at school at the time the attendance is taken or are away from school on a school day and engaged in an educational activity that constitutes a part of the school-approved instructional program for the student (Section 1003.23, Florida Statutes).

Policy Statement It is the position of the Okeechobee County School Board that students must attend school on a regular and timely basis to maximize educational opportunities offered in Okeechobee County Schools. Recognizing this can be achieved successfully through combined efforts of parents and schools, this policy outlines strategies and interventions to maximize student attendance thereby creating more opportunities for student success. This policy is applicable for all K-12 students in Okeechobee County. The superintendent may approve exceptions to this policy for special programs for enhancement purposes.

Attendance Terms and Definitions Absence:

Absence is the nonattendance of a student on days school is in session. Any student must be counted absent who is not physically present at school or at a school activity as defined under the compulsory attendance law.

Attendance: Attendance is the presence of a student on days school is in session. The student must be actually at the school to which he or she has been assigned or present at an educational activity (prior principal approval) which constitutes part of the approved school program for that student.

Habitual Truant: A student who has fifteen (15) unexcused absences within 90 calendar days, with or without the knowledge or justifiable consent of his or her parent or legal guardian, and who is subject to compulsory school attendance laws.

Membership: Membership is the assignment by a school district of a student to a grade or program in which regular attendance is taken.

District Policy This will take you to the Okeechobee County School Board District policy.