I think you guys are getting excused and unexcused absences confused? An excused absence is when a parent calls into the school and let's them know their child won't be in attendance that day. An unexcused absence is when there is no call made to the school and they don't have a reason for the child not being there. Too many unexcused and yes they can get you for truancy as such, but as long as they have a reason for not attending you won't fall into that category. I can see schools getting on parents for taking their kids out for vacation, but its only because the school gets money for your child being there. The more absences the less money the school will get. That really is the only reason they do that. They can't call truancy on you for a family vacation!
Actually, my daughter's school is very specific about what is considered excused: (quoted from our parent handbook)
The following circumstances qualify as excused absences:
Illness: more than two days must be confirmed by a signed doctors note
Up to three (3) days per school year for observance of religious holidays
Up to five (5) days due to death of a family member
Dismissal due to school-sponsored activities approved by the principal
Absences because of judicial obligations
The law states that the Superintendent, or teachers, in so far as authorized by him or the school committee, may excuse cases of necessary absence for other causes not exceeding seven sessions or fourteen half-day sessions in any period of six months.
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I asked our vice principal if we would get "the letter" - we're not worried. If we do get the letter from the state, we (and the school) still know she's doing okay. But generally she is only sick one day at a time, and even at that it's rare (knock on wood).
They certainly can call truancy on us if we went for too long. I respect that rule, because it becomes a question of where do you draw the line.