10/9/2024

Dear Indian Prairie Families,

We recognize that consistent student attendance is crucial for success. The learning opportunities and experiences provided at school are invaluable.

Starting on October 15, you will notice some changes when reporting your child's absence in ParentVUE. The dropdown menu and screen will now appear as follows (web version and app version):

You select a reason for the absence from the drop down menu. In the notes section you will provide additional details - when you select sick, please include the symptoms.

In accordance with Section 26-2a of the School Code, valid causes for absence include:

A. Illness, including mental or behavioral health issues;
B. Observance of a religious holiday;
C. Death in the immediate family or a family emergency;
D. Other situations beyond the control of the student, as determined by the Board of Education or nonpublic school administration;
E. Any circumstances that reasonably concern the parent regarding the mental, emotional, or physical health or safety of the student.

Parents are responsible for the daily attendance of their children; however, Illinois School Code does not grant parents the authority to excuse their children from attending classes without valid cause. Every absence is recorded as part of the student’s attendance record and counts toward chronic absenteeism.

"Chronic absence" means absences that total 10% or more of school days of the most recent academic school year, including absences with and without valid cause …”– 105 ILCS 5/26-18. Chronic absences are tracked by the state and are a part of the summative designation on our Illinois School Report Card. Several of our schools earned a reduced rating last year due to the chronic absenteeism data for their school.

Please note vacations, practices/competitions, birthday celebrations, and similar leisure activities are not considered valid causes for absences, and we discourage these types of activities during school hours.

We appreciate your commitment to ensuring that your child(ren) attends school on time every day. If your child must be absent, please continue to report that absence in ParentVue or by calling the attendance line for your school.

Sincerely,

Adrian B. Talley, Ed.D.
Superintendent