Attendance
ATTENDANCE FAQ
- Returning from an absence
- How to have absences excused
- Parent Notes – what is required?
- Examples of excused absences
- Examples of unexcused absences
- Returning to school after an illness – documentation that is required
- Student Travel Attendance Procedures and Policies from the MHS Student Handbook (pg 14-16)
ABSENCES
Students are considered chronically absent when they accumulate 15 absences throughout the year (equivalent to 3.75 days per quarter).
Upon returning to campus, student should report directly to the Front Office or the Health Room (for illness-related absences) for a readmit/clearance slip. Due to COVID-19, additional documentation is required for students returning to school after experiencing any COVID-like symptoms. Please click here to see a list of symptoms that are considered COVID-19-like and the protocol for return to school.
HOW TO HAVE ABSENCES EXCUSED School will excuse absences when a note is submitted within 3 days upon student’s return to school. It can be brought to the Front Office or emailed to 216attendance@k12.hi.us. To ensure a smooth readmit to class, it is best to send your student with the proper documentation upon their return.
PARENT NOTES – WHAT IS REQUIRED? Notes must include the following: student’s full name, date of absence(s), reason for absence, and Parent/Guardian signature. A doctor’s note is required for 5 or more consecutive absences. Also, see required documentation for readmit/clearance for students returning to school after illness.
- Illness*/Injury - Click for more information on readmit/clearance requirements for students returning to school after illness
- Funerals excused up to 5 days in State of Hawaii, 10 days on the mainland or out-of-country (click for required documentation for readmit/clearance for students returning to school after out-of-state travel)
- College Visits excused up to 5 days per year with proper documentation from college. Pre-approved by principal prior to trip; signed note from Parent/Guardian and proper documentation on college letterhead with date and student’s name upon return is required. See STUDENT TRAVEL for required documentation for readmit/clearance for students returning to school after out-of-state travel. Field Trips, student council related activities, school athletic team events Court Appearance Counselor/Administration Meeting Academic/Cultural/Artistic/Athletic Events whose dates are dictated by a state or national organization (Pre-approved by principal prior to event; signed note from Parent/Guardian and itinerary/schedule with date and student’s name are required) Suspensions
- Transportation issues
- Babysitting
- Entertaining visitors/guests Family vacation/trips (Please consider touring a college while on trip. Refer to College Visits above. Also, see section on STUDENT TRAVEL for information on readmit/clearance requirements if traveling out-of-state.)
- Personal
- If your child was absent for any of the listed illnesses, please follow the guidelines below for return to school.
- Fever (100F or higher)
- Chills
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fatigue (tiredness, weakness)
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Headache
- New loss of taste or smell
- Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Muscle or body aches
If you have any questions, you may reach the Health Assistant at kauilani.doroha@k12.hi.us or call her at 307-4249.
Out-of-State Travel:
For clearance to return to school after out-of-state travel, students must provide proof of one of the following options:
- Be fully vaccinated prior to the start of out-of-state travel and provide proof of vaccination to the school;
- Obtain a COVID-19 test after return and submit a negative test result to the school or
- Quarantine for 10 days after return. (Travel documentation showing date of arrival on Oahu is required only if student is opting to do the 10-day quarantine.)
Interisland-Travel:
Students are no longer required to provide proof of a negative test result for inter-island travel.
EXCUSED travel-related absences (note or documentation is REQUIRED for excuse)
School will excuse absences when a note is submitted within 3 days upon student’s return to school. Notes must include the following: student’s full name, date of absence(s), reason for absence, and Parent/Guardian signature.
- Funerals excused up to 5 days in State of Hawaii, 10 days on the mainland or out of country
- College Visits excused up to 5 days per year with proper documentation from college (Pre-approved by principal prior to trip; signed note from Parent/Guardian and proper documentation on college letterhead with date and student’s name upon return is required)
- Field Trips, student council related activities, school athletic team events
- Academic/Cultural/Artistic/Athletic Events whose dates are dictated by a state or national organization (Pre-approved by principal prior to event; signed note from Parent/Guardian and itinerary/schedule with date and student’s name are required)