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Attendance Policy

Attendance

Documentation for student absences must be provided to absences@g.sebeka.k12.mn.us by parents/guardians who request their student to be excused due to illness, medical appointments, family trips or other reasons. You may also call 218-837-5101 ext 104.

Attendance is based on login time and activity in Subject and work submission. 820online recommends 90 minutes per course per week. Students must log into the Subject platform for a minimum of 75 minutes per week for each course they are enrolled in. They may do this at any time from Monday through Sunday evening. Students must complete assignments during that week. 

If there is no communication from the parent/guardian and a student does not complete the minimum requirement for attendance, they may be marked as unexcused absences for the whole week. 

To be eligible to participate in extracurricular activities, students must be in school at least 75 minutes per week per course in addition to attending all weekly virtual teacher/class meetings. Since attendance in 820online lags behind the regular attendance week, students may lose their permission to participate in school activities based on truancy up to two weeks following the time the absences occurred. This does not apply to absences due to school activities, college visits or other circumstances approved by the 820online coordinator.

 

Truancy

Definition of Attendance (820online learning) 

Attendance in the 820online program is measured by active engagement, not physical presence. Students are considered “in attendance” when they:

  • Log in to the Subject platform for 75 minutes in each course for each week.

  • Make documented academic progress (assignments, assessments, participation)

  • Maintain communication with teachers as required

A student is considered absent/unexcused when they:

  • Do not meet the minimum attendance requirement.

Truancy 

A. Initial Concern (Does not meet the minimum attendance requirement for more than 1 class)

When a student accumulates 3 unexcused days of non-engagement:

  • Parent/guardian is contacted by phone/email

  • Written notice is sent outlining:

    • Concern regarding lack of engagement

    • Expectation for participation

    • Offer of support and problem-solving meeting

B. Continuing Truant (Does not meet the minimum attendance requirement for more than 1 class for 2 weeks)

At 5 unexcused days, the student is considered a continuing truant under Minnesota Statute 260A.03:

  • Formal letter sent to parent/guardian, including:

    • Notice of truancy status

    • County mediation-School Squad meeting if residing in Wadena County

    • If living outside of Wadena County, there may be other pre-truancy mediation procedures

    • Legal obligation to ensure participation (Minnesota Statute 120A.34)

  • School schedules a required in-person or virtual meeting with the student, parent/guardian, 820online coordinator, and possibly county representatives

  • Engagement plan is developed (log-in expectations, pacing, check-ins)

C. Continued Non-Engagement (Does not meet the minimum requirement for more than 1 class for 3 weeks.)

At 7 or more unexcused days, the student is considered habitually truant under Minnesota Statute 260C.007:

  • Referral made to county human services

  • School initiates formal truancy intervention process, which may include:

    • Attendance contracts

    • Additional support services

Failure to improve may result in:

  • Court involvement (CHIPS petition)

  • Possible impact on driving privileges (per state law)

 

Monitoring & Support Process

Once a student enters the intervention process:

  • Weekly progress reviews are conducted (more frequent if needed)

  • School staff will:

    • Monitor login data and coursework completion

    • Maintain regular contact with the student and parent/guardian

    • Coordinate with teachers to identify barriers

    • Document all communication and interventions

Support may include:

  • Adjusted pacing or schedule

  • Academic or technical assistance

  • Social-emotional or behavioral supports

 

Failure to Engage in Intervention

If the student and/or family do not participate in required interventions:

  • The school may file a truancy petition with the county

  • Documentation provided will include:

    • Attendance/engagement records

    • Communication logs

    • Intervention attempts and plans

 

Possible Legal Outcomes

Per Minnesota law, the county or court may:

  • Require parent/guardian accountability measures

  • Place the student under supervision or probation

  • Require participation in services or programs

  • Impose additional consequences, including loss of driving privileges