We believe that regular school attendance is an important part of educational success. Parents play an important role in ensuring their student is in attendance.

Harrison follows the attendance policy set forth by the Polk County School District. When your student is absent from school, documentation is required to excuse the absence. This can be done by turning in a note to the Harrison office or sending an email to our attendance manager, Lisa Leland, at lisa.leland@polk-fl.net. Please be sure to include the reason for the absence.

Need a pre-excusal form filled out for a planned absence? Email the information for the pre-excused absence to Mrs. Leland - lisa.leland@polk-fl.net. She will prepare a form for the student to pick up and have all teachers sign. Below is the list of excused absences from the Polk County School District. Per district policy, after 10 absences a doctor's note is required to excuse further absences.

Excused Absences:

Personal illness
Family death/illness
Chronic/long-term illness
Parent trips
Educational trips
School-sponsored activity
Judicial action
Military dependents visits in time of combat duty
Religious holiday

Required Action:

Parent note for days absent
Parent note for days absent
Medical documentation
Pre-approved by principal
Pre-approved by principal
Pre-arranged with administration (student marked “Present”)
Copy of subpoena or summons. Notice of juvenile detention
Approved by principal
Prior written notice to principal or teacher

When your child is out for an extended illness, please be sure to communicate with the school. Please contact Lisa Leland regarding the absence, as well as contacting the school counselor and teachers to make them aware of the extended absence. If your child is absent due to a chronic medical condition, please contact Lisa Leland for possible information regarding a form from the district for the medical doctor to verify the student’s information and time out of school. Our counselors can provide information regarding a student needing Hospital/Homebound services.

The following is a look at the thresholds for excessive absenteeism and resulting interventions/consequences:

More than 10 absences for the school year, regardless of whether they’re excused or unexcused — A letter will be sent to parents requiring a doctor’s note for additional absences to be excused. A Medical Documentation for Absences from will be required for chronic/long-term illnesses.

Five unexcused absences in a 30-calendar-day period — A letter will be sent to the parents, asking them to contact the school about the reason for the absences; parents may be required to meet with a problem-solving team; attendance contract will be required.
Fifteen unexcused absences in a 90-calendar-day period — A letter will be sent to parents to schedule a meeting with a problem-solving team; attendance contract will be required; family may be referred to Youth and Family Alternatives for truancy; parents may be prosecuted; driver’s license privileges may be suspended.

Note: When students are absent for more than 50 percent of a school day without an excuse, it will be counted as an unexcused absence.

Policies & Procedures

Policies & Procedures

2023-24 Supplies Needed