Absence Excuse Note Procedure

Submit Online: OHS Absence Excuse Request Form 

Guidelines:

• Submit within five (5) school days of the absence or request will be denied.
• Excuse notes must be uploaded from the parent/guardian’s email account. (student emails and OCPS accounts not accepted).
• If you experience any issues with the digital form, please email the attendance office and include a brief description of the problem.
• Preliminary steps will be taken to ensure authentication of the excuse note.

Per OCPS Policy:
"Follow-ups on attendance accuracy is the responsibility of the student and parent/legal guardian."

Follow-Up Process:

• Allow three (3) school days for updates before contacting the Attendance office.
• For period‑specific attendance concerns, students should speak with the teacher first, who will follow up with attendance.

Please Note:

• Submission of an Absence Excuse Note does not guarantee absence excusal.
• Per OCPS policy excessive handwritten notes without official documentation will be flagged.

 

What counts as an “Excused” Absence?

After you submit an absence excuse request, the Attendance staff will review it to ensure it meets OCPS guidelines.

Per OCPS Excused Absences Include:

• Student illness or injury (doctor’s note required for 3+ consecutive or 5 non-consecutive days)
• Family member illness/death (Please provide supporting documentation such as an obituary, funeral program, or similar official notice.)
• Recognized religious holidays (listed in the OCPS Attendance handbook)
• Medical/legal appointments (provide official documentation; schedule later in the day when possible)
• Approved school activities or pre-arranged educational absences (requires principal’s prior approval) 
• College Visits for Juniors & Seniors: (up to 5 excused absences per year for college visits. Please provide documentation, such as a registration confirmation, confirmation email, or a letter from the admissions office.)
• Head-lice infestation (up to 4 days/year)
• Catastrophic events (e.g. loss of residence, natural disaster)

 

Making Up Missed Work

Students shall be given a reasonable amount of time to make up any work assignments missed during an absence, regardless of whether the absence was excused or unexcused.

At least one (1) school day shall be allowed to make up missed work for each day of absence.

 

Attendance & Student Privileges

To participate in events (Prom, Parking, Senior Activities, Homecoming), students must meet the PROUD TITAN criteria:

• Academics: Passed ALL core classes last quarter; currently passing ALL classes.
• Attendance: No more than 3 unexcused absences (21 periods) and 5 tardies per 9 weeks.
• Behavior: No Level 3 or 4 referrals this school year.

Failure to meet these standards may result in loss of privileges for major events.

 

Truancy & Driver’s License Issues 

Definition: Truancy is a pattern of unexcused absences or failure to attend classes as required by law and OCPS policy.

Failure to Attend Classes: Leaving campus without authorization or skipping classes will result in disciplinary action.

Pattern of Nonattendance:

• 5+ unexcused absences in 30 days OR
• 10+ unexcused absences in 90 days

Truancy notices will be posted in Skyward and mailed home. If the pattern of non-attendance continues, the student will be referred to the Child Study Team for review and development of an intervention plan.

Habitual Truancy:

• 15+ unexcused absences in 90 days → Possible Truancy Court, loss of privileges, and DHSMV notification for driver’s license suspension.

Driver’s License Suspension:

• Students reported after 15 unexcused absences or withdrawal with a dropout code.
• DHSMV issues notice of pending suspension.
• Reinstatement: Attend 30 consecutive school days without unexcused absences and tardies, then submit compliance form (HSMV 72870) to the Attendance Dean for verification and signature.

Parent/Guardian Accountability

Parents or guardians of habitually truant students may be subject to legal action under Florida law.

 

Early Dismissal & Release Policy

• Early student departure during the last hour of the school day is strongly discouraged. 
• All early dismissals will be recorded as unexcused until proper documentation is provided.

Early Release or Late Arrival:

Students whose Skyward schedule reflects Early Release or Late Arrival must present a valid physical ID when entering or leaving campus.

Procedures:

• Phone calls, texts, or emails are not accepted to dismiss students.
• Parent/guardian or approved individual on Skyward pick-up list must check out the student in person with a valid photo ID.

Digital Early Dismissal Request:

If in-person checkout is not possible and the student drives, submit the OHS-Early Dismissal Form 12 hours in advance.

Form: Early Dismissal Request

Failure to follow procedures will result in a denied request; someone must check the student out in person.

• Schedule appointments LATER in the day when possible.
• Verification steps include ID and email matching Skyward records and a phone call.