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The Importance of School Attendance at Concordia Lutheran High School

At Concordia Lutheran High School, we recognize that consistent school attendance is fundamental to academic success, personal growth, and building a strong community rooted in faith. The disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic have highlighted the critical role attendance plays, with national data showing a significant rise in chronic absenteeism. Regular attendance ensures students stay engaged with their education, peers, and the values we cherish at Concordia. Below, we explore why attendance matters, supported by recent data, provide key definitions, and offer practical steps to support consistent attendance.

The Impact of Chronic Absenteeism: By the Numbers

Chronic absenteeism, defined as missing 10% or more of the school year (approximately 18 days in a 180-day school year), has surged post-pandemic. According to the U.S. Department of Education, chronic absenteeism in U.S. public schools nearly doubled from 15% in 2018–2019 to 28% in 2022–2023. At Concordia, our own attendance data mirrors these trends, showing a noticeable increase in absences compared to pre-pandemic years. This underscores the urgency of addressing absenteeism to support our students’ academic and spiritual growth. The Indiana Department of Education (IDOE) reported that in 2024, 17.8% of K-12 students were chronically absent for the school year. The IDOE is making a strong push for schools to submit attendance data for students and report students and families where absences reach the 10% threshold. This school year, some suggested changes from the IDOE to try to help guide/inform families regarding attendance.  

Key Attendance Definitions

To help our community understand attendance expectations, here are key terms defined by the Indiana Department of Education (IDOE), Indiana state law, and Concordia policies:

  • Model Attendee: A student who attends at least 96% of enrolled school days (7 or fewer absences in a 180-day school year), per IDOE standards.
  • Chronic Absenteeism: Missing 10% or more of school days (approximately 18 days), including excused and unexcused absences, as defined by the IDOE.
  • Habitual Truancy: Accumulating 10 or more unexcused absences in a school year, per Indiana Code 20-33-2.
  • Excused Absence: Absences verified by a parent/guardian or documentation for reasons such as:
    • Illness (with a parent/guardian note or healthcare metering documentation)
    • Medical or dental appointments
    • Bereavement or family emergency
    • Court appearances or legal obligations
    • Religious observances
    • Service as a page or honoree in the Indiana General Assembly
    • Participation in the Indiana State Fair
    • Other exemptions per Indiana Code 20-33-2 or approved by the school administration.
  • Unexcused Absence: Any absence not meeting the criteria for an excused absence or without proper notification/documentation within 24 hours.
  • Excused Absence Limits: With the goal of Model Attendee, excused absences are limited to 7 days per school year without a healthcare provider’s note, except for documented chronic illnesses or extenuating circumstances approved by the principal, assistant principal, and nurse. Absences beyond this limit may be marked unexcused unless supported by additional documentation and approved by the assistant principal.
  • Chronic Illness: A student who misses more than four (4) days excused by a doctor will be required to provide a Concordia Chronic Illness Form, which must be filled out by the student’s doctor. Otherwise, any doctor-excused days after four (4) will be considered unexcused. A meeting with the Dean of Success, School Counselor, and School Nurse may be scheduled to realign academic needs. Concordia does not provide an online education program or homebound services.

Why Attendance Matters

  1. Academic Success: Regular attendance ensures students receive consistent instruction, participate in discussions, and master foundational skills. Missing school creates gaps in learning that are difficult to recover, impacting grades and long-term achievement.
  2. Faith and Character Development: At Concordia, weekly chapel services and classroom discussions rooted in Christian values foster spiritual growth. Regular attendance ensures students remain part of this nurturing environment, building discipline and responsibility.
  3. Social Connection: School is where students form meaningful relationships with peers and teachers. Consistent attendance strengthens these bonds, reducing feelings of isolation and enhancing community.
  4. Future Readiness: Showing up consistently builds habits of punctuality and commitment, essential for success in college, careers, and life. Employers and higher education institutions value these traits, which are cultivated through regular school attendance.

Steps for Concordia Families and Students

We encourage our Concordia community to prioritize attendance through these practical steps:

  • Prepare for Success: Set up routines the night before, such as organizing school materials and ensuring adequate rest, to make mornings smoother.
  • Stay Healthy: Encourage regular handwashing and healthy habits to minimize illness-related absences. Clean hands reduce the spread of germs, keeping students in class.
  • Communicate Early: If absences are unavoidable, notify the school promptly and collaborate with teachers to keep up with assignments. A new Pre-Planned Absence Form must be signed by a parent, the student, and each teacher one week in advance of vacations and college visits.
  • Engage with the Community: Participate in school events, clubs, and chapel services to foster a sense of belonging, which encourages regular attendance.
  • Monitor Progress: Parents can check attendance records through FACTS.
  • Addressing Common Reasons for Absences: We understand absences may occur for various reasons, and we encourage proactive management to minimize their impact:
  • Illness: Students that are sick and contagious need to stay home. Students who have a “cold” or “don’t feel well” are encouraged to be at school and can utilize our nurses office if needed. (Promptly provide parent phone call/email or healthcare provider notes within 24 hours to ensure absences are excused, keeping in mind the 7-day excused absence limit without documentation.)
  • Appointments: Schedule medical, dental, or other appointments outside school hours when possible. Provide documentation to ensure these absences are excused.
  • Mental Health Days: While mental health is a priority, absences for mental health should be communicated with the school counselor to explore support options and ensure proper documentation. These count toward the 7-day excused absence limit.
  • Vacations: Submit a Pre-Planned Absence Form at least one week in advance for family vacations. Work with teachers to plan for missed assignments, as excessive vacation absences may lead to unexcused status if they exceed the 7-day excused absence limit.
  • Travel Sports Teams: Coordinate with travel team coaches to prioritize school attendance, scheduling travel and tournaments to minimize conflicts with school days. A Pre-Planned Absence Form is required, and absences beyond the excused limit may be marked unexcused without principal approval.

A Shared Commitment

At Concordia Lutheran High School, we are committed to reversing this trend of Chronic Absenteeism by fostering a welcoming, faith-based environment where every student feels valued. By understanding key attendance terms, adhering to excused absence limits, and working together—students, families, and staff—we can ensure every school day counts, preparing our students for academic success, spiritual growth, and a bright future. 

For more information on our attendance policies and updates, please refer to the 2025-2026 Student-Parent Handbook. Feel free to reach out to me as well if you have any questions.