FCA Attendance/Absence Notification Request

  • FCA Attendance/Absence Notification Request

    Absences, late arrivals, and early departures that are planned in advance must be pre-approved via the form below at least 24 hours in advance. Please consult the school calendar and your child's class schedule when planning medical and dental appointments.
  • Today’s Date*
     - -

  • Student is unable to attend school due to illness or injury.

    Absences of 3 or more consecutive days require a physician’s note.

    The school may request medical documentation for repeated or excessive illness-related absences.

  • Absence is due to a scheduled appointment with a physician, dentist, therapist, or other licensed medical provider. Written verification from the provider is required within two (2) school days of return.

    Absences not verified with appropriate documentation within the required timeframe will be classified as unexcused absences.

  • Students absent due to a court appearance or court-ordered visitation must provide official documentation from the court or legal authority within two (2) school days of returning to school.

    Absences not verified with appropriate documentation within the required timeframe will be classified as unexcused absences.

  • Pre-approved family-related absences such as vacations or special events.

    • Limited to five (5) school days per student per academic year.
    • Must be submitted at least 24 hours in advance for approval. Absence forms submitted on the day of the student's absence will be considered unexcused.
    • May not be approved during blackout dates or required school events.
    • Absences exceeding approved limits or not pre-approved will be unexcused.

  • Absence is due to participation in church-related events, youth group activities, or other external programs deemed appropriate by the school.

    • Must be submitted in advance and approved by administration.
    • Approval is not guaranteed and may be denied based on academic scheduling, attendance history, testing periods, or required school events.
    • Only pre-approved absences will be considered excused.

  • Absence is due to attendance at a funeral, memorial service, or immediate family wedding.

    • Funerals / Memorial Services: Excused when communicated to the school. 
    • Weddings: Considered a planned family absence and must follow the Planned Family Absence policy. All planned family absences are limited to a cumulative total of five (5) school days per student per academic year. This includes vacations, family events, weddings, and any other pre-approved non-medical absences.

  • This category is for rare or exceptional circumstances not listed above.

    • A detailed written explanation is required.
    • The school may request additional documentation.
    • The absence may be reclassified or marked unexcused if the reason does not meet policy standards.

    The “Other” category is not intended for routine or avoidable absences. 

    • Oversleeping
    • Babysitting
    • No transportation or ride to school
    • Working or attending personal/family errands during school hours
    • Truancy (including skipping school or leaving campus without permission)
    • Socializing with friends or “taking cuts”
    • Staying home to complete schoolwork
    • Suspension (in accordance with school disciplinary policy)
  • Start Date*
     - -
  • Is this for all day or partial day?*
  • Is this for more than one day in a row?*
  • Last Day of Absence*
     - -

  • State Law and School Policy

    Indiana State Law (IC 20-33 Chapter 2) requires all students age 18 and under to attend school regularly. Students who do not comply may be reported as truant.

  • Habitual Truant: A student with 10 or more unexcused absences in one year.

    Semester Absence Threshold: A student with more than 5 unexcused absences in a semester may be dismissed from the school.

    Total Absences: Any student who misses 21 or more days in a year (excused or unexcused), or more than 10 days in a semester, may be required to repeat the current grade, regardless of academic performance.

    All absences, late arrivals, and early departures are classified as excused or unexcused according to the Student/Parent Handbook.

    Excused Absences:

    • Personal injury or illness (doctor's note may be required when absences are excessive)

    • Medical, dental, specialist, or therapy appointments

    • Court-mandated appearance or visitation

    • Planned family absence (vacation or special family day) – up to 5 pre-approved days per year (not during blackout dates)

    • Planned youth retreats with church youth group – up to 3 pre-approved days per year (not during blackout dates)

    • Once-in-a-lifetime event (wedding or funeral of a family member, etc.)

    • Other causes approved by school administration or permitted by law 

    Unexcused Absences:

    • Oversleeping

    • Babysitting

    • No ride to school

    • Working or personal/family errands 

    • Taking "cuts" or truancy; hanging out with friends 

    • Staying home to complete schoolwork

    • Suspension 

    • Planned absences that (1) are not submitted 24 hours in advance to the school office (2) exceed planned family absences (3) exceed planned youth retreat absences (4) are during "blackout dates” (see below).

    • Unexcused absences that are not pre-approved may also result in demerits.

    Black Out Dates:

    Planned absences will not be approved during:

    • Required all-school events (competitions, awards programs, etc.)

    • E-learning days

    • Achievement testing days 

  •  I understand that my child’s absence will interrupt their regular learning. I take full responsibility to make the necesssary arrangements to make sure all missed work is completed."

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