Miami East Families,

Beginning with the 2026–2027 school year, Ohio has changed its state attendance requirements. These changes place a greater emphasis on regular attendance, early intervention, and communication between schools and families when attendance concerns arise.

One of the most important changes for families to understand is that ALL absences, excused, medically excused, and unexcused, count toward a student's total missed instructional hours when determining chronic absenteeism.

What Families Should Know

·         Earlier Family Notification

Families will receive notification when a student has missed 5% or more of the school year for any reason. This includes excused, medically excused, and unexcused absences.

·         Chronic Absenteeism
A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school year for any reason, approximately 90–100 instructional hours, depending on the school calendar.

·         All missed time counts

Full-day absences, late arrivals, and early dismissals all contribute to a student's total missed instructional hours. This includes absences with or without medical documentation.

·         Early Intervention & Support

When attendance concerns arise, Miami East may work with families to identify barriers that are affecting attendance and connect students and families with appropriate support. These may include transportation, medical, or other concerns.

·         Excused vs. Unexcused Absences

Although all absences count toward chronic absenteeism, documentation still matters. Ohio's habitual truancy requirements are based specifically on unexcused hours.

A student may be considered habitually truant after:

●        30 consecutive hours without a valid excuse

●        42 hours within one month without a valid excuse

●        72 hours within one school year without a valid excuse

Please refer to the student handbook for information regarding valid excuses and required documentation.

·         Attendance Intervention & Follow-Up

When attendance concerns arise, schools may work alongside families to develop appropriate interventions and identify ways to improve attendance. If attendance concerns continue, additional steps may be required under Ohio law, including possible referrals to outside agencies.

·         Driver's Education Requirements

High school families should also be aware that students must meet Ohio's attendance requirements before participating in the in-car portion of driver's education.

·         We're Here to Help

We understand there are many legitimate reasons a student may need to miss school. The purpose of these changes is to identify attendance concerns earlier and provide support before missed instructional time becomes a larger issue.

If your family is experiencing challenges that make regular attendance difficult, please reach out to your child's school. Our goal is to work with you—not simply notify you—to help your student stay connected, supported, and learning.

Thank you for your partnership in supporting strong attendance and helping us make every instructional hour count at Miami East!