What is Chronic Absenteeism?
A student is considered chronically absent if they miss 18 days of the school year (over 10%). This includes both excused and unexcused absences.
What is Chronic Truancy?
A student is considered chronically truant if they miss 9 days of the school year (5%) with unexcused absences. This only applies to absences that are not excused. Students at this level may be referred to the McHenry County Truancy Officer.
Key Updates for the 2025–2026 School Year
Parent excused days have decreased from 9 to 5 per semester
Vacation days will no longer be separately excused; they count toward the 5 parent excused days
Students will continue to have 5 mental health days per year
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: If I’ve used all 5 parent excused days in a semester, what happens if my student has to miss another day of school?
A: Future absences will be considered unexcused without proper documentation.
Q: What is the consequence of an unexcused absence?
A: Students may not receive credit for assignments, quizzes, tests, or projects on the day of an unexcused absence. If a student accrues 15 or more unexcused absences, they may be dropped from that course with no credit. Unexcused absences may also result in disciplinary action and loss of privileges such as late arrival/early dismissal, parking, homecoming, prom, etc.
Q: What if I have a doctor’s note excusing specific absences?
A: Submit the doctor’s note to the appropriate school personnel. Absences documented with a doctor’s note will be coded as medically excused (ME) and will not count toward the 5 parent excused days.
Q: If I call my student out sick because they are vomiting or have a fever, does it count toward the 5 parent excused days?
A: Yes. Without a doctor’s note, calling a student out sick will count toward the 5 parent excused days.
Q: What happens if the nurse sends my student home sick?
A: If the nurse determines that a student is too ill to remain in school, the absence will be coded as medically excused (ME) and will not count toward the 5 parent excused days.
Q: What if my student has a chronic health/mental health diagnosis?
A: Students with a documented chronic health or mental health diagnosis should have an Individual Health Plan on file. Proper documentation must be submitted to the appropriate school personnel.
Q: If we take a vacation, will it be excused?
A: Extended absences are discouraged. Vacation days will count toward the 5 parent excused days each semester, and a pre-arranged absence form must be completed.
Q: What if my student is involved in a non-school-affiliated athletic or extracurricular program that requires missing school?
A: Absences for non-school-affiliated activities are discouraged. Parents will need to use the 5 parent excused days for each semester.
Q: If I call in to excuse a tardy, will it count toward the 5 parent excused days?
A: Yes. Excusing a tardy will count toward the 5 parent excused days.