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Some school attendance policies revised

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By Megan Gildow, Staff writer 5:38 PM Friday, November 6, 2009

Some local schools have revised attendance policies and traditions in the wake of the H1N1 outbreak.

Greenon Local Schools has temporarily suspended the practice of requiring a doctor’s note for students who are absent or who are returning to school from an extended absence, said Superintendent Lori Lytle.

“That’s taking the burden off the health care system,” she said. “That’s hopefully making it much, much easier.”

In October, state Superintendent Deborah Delisle recommended districts consider discontinuing the practice of requiring release notes to return to school, said ODE spokesman Scott Blake. Delisle recommended that doctor’s visits be reserved for those who are seriously ill and not be used to release students back to school.

Some southern states have continued the practice of requiring clearance doctor’s notes, putting an unnecessary burden on the health care system, according to media reports.

“Right now we just want to make the focus on the kids and their health,” said Lytle.

The newsletter also recommended that schools reconsider programs that might encourage sick students to come to school anyway and contradict health professionals’ recommendations that people who are showing symptoms should stay home.

So far, no local schools have reported eliminating perfect attendance rewards, however some, including Greenon, said they would consider it as the year went forward.

Triad schools has not eliminated the perfect attendance award but has offered an additional incentive award for attendance, said Superintendent Craig Meredith.

“We have not taken steps to modify the attendance award policies as they are stated in the board approved student handbooks,” he said. “There has been, however, a provision in place for a ‘good attendance’ award at the elementary. This is in place to recognize those student with good attendance based upon the criteria set by the building principal even when there have been one or more excused absences.”

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I think it is absurd that you can have an immediate family member die and that absence is not exempted for perfect attendance but now all the rules are being changed because of H1N1. People get the flu every year! Now you are taking away the exam exemption from the kids that qualify. H1N1 will probably be around for a number of years. Death is imminent; not a students choice. Why not an exemption for that as well.

B
5:15 PM, 11/7/2009

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when i worked at our school as a sub during flu season. There were students vomiting in the trash cans and returning to class...refusing to go to the office to see the nurse..just to avoid being counted absent so they can exempt exams at the end of the year. It is rediculous and dangerous to everyone's health at the school. If the principals do not take away that incentive, it will only get worse....and they should be reprimanded(sp) for it.

saw it first hand
9:00 AM, 11/7/2009

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I wish all schools would reconsider any policy that encourages students to attend school/classes when any medical situation is apparent. It's a barbaric practice that keeps all students at risk during flu season and forces young kids with medical issues to make bad choices. Students should never feel it's a punishment to ask for help when sick or injured just because the adults with more common sense will ignore a problem so the school's attendance record is higher. It's not worth the numbers.

Paul Hazlett
8:08 AM, 11/7/2009

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Vote no to what? Changing attendance policies to reflect our current situation? I don't think that will be on the ballot, but thanks for registering!

Bowser
7:54 PM, 11/6/2009

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i registerd to vote today just so i can add my one ---NO--- vote in feb. i hope it helps!!!

new voter
7:33 PM, 11/6/2009

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