Elementary K-5

Daily Absence Notification: Parents/Guardians must send an email or call the appropriate Student Absence Answering Service each day their student is absent. Lines are available 24 hours a day:

Bridgewater: 507.664.3306 or bwattendance@northfieldschools.org
Greenvale Park: 507.645.3506 or gvpattendance@northfieldschools.org
Spring Creek: 507.645.3474 or scattendance@northfieldschools.org

Absence Verification: If a phone call or email from a parent/guardian is not received by 9:00 a.m. and your student is absent, school personnel will make every effort to contact you to verify the absence. Absences in which the school does not receive communication from the parent/guardian will be marked as unexcused. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide the necessary documentation or communication within 5 calendar days of the absence. If not cleared within this timeframe, the absence will remain unexcused and will not be changed retroactively.

Late Arrival: Students arriving after the school day begins must check in at the front office to receive a late arrival slip before proceeding to class. Parents/Guardians should call or email the school to notify them of the late arrival. If no prior notification is provided, parents must sign the student in at the office.

Leaving School Early: If a student has to leave early or attend an appointment during the school day, the parent/guardian should send an email or call the front office or attendance line. When picking up your student early, please meet them in the office and sign them out when they leave, and sign them back in when/if they return.

Attendance Guidelines

Every minute of a student’s time at school is important. Students who are absent for even one day, or who arrive later than their classmates, miss valuable instruction time and can easily fall behind in school. They also miss important socialization time and fun with their peers. The Northfield School District recognizes the importance of regular attendance for student success. However, we also understand that circumstances such as illness or personal matters may occasionally require students to be absent. Chronic absence is defined as missing 10% (about 17 days) of school days for ANY reason (illness, vacation, appointments, etc.). Below are the attendance guidelines outlining how absences will be managed:

1. Tardiness:

Elementary schools track attendance across seven hours of the school day. Arriving late or leaving early can impact attendance for each hour. If a student misses more than 10 minutes of any hour—by arriving late or leaving early—they will be marked absent for that hour. The following guidelines apply:

• Tardy: Students who arrive up to 10 minutes late will be marked tardy for that hour.
• Absent (Late Arrival): Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late will be marked absent for the entire hour.
• Early Departure (Present): Students who leave with 10 minutes or less remaining will be marked present but left early.
• Absent (Early Departure): Students who leave more than 10 minutes before the end of an hour will be marked absent for the entire hour.

Please make every effort to arrive on time and stay through the full school day. If tardiness or leaving early becomes a recurring issue, families will be referred to an administrator for further support and follow-up.

2. Illness-Related Absences:

• After 8 total absences (illness and personal combined), a letter of concern regarding attendance will be sent to each household.
• Up to 10 illness-related absences per school year will be considered excused.
• After 10 illness-related absences, further absences due to illness will require medical documentation from a healthcare provider to be considered excused. A letter will be sent to each household to notify them of this.
• Alternatively, if a medical office visit is not necessary or possible, students may be screened by the school nurse.
• If the student exceeds 10 illness-related absences and fails to provide proper medical documentation or be screened by the school nurse, the absences will be considered unexcused unless the school administration grants an exception.

    Good Practice for Medical Documentation:

• It is recommended that parents/guardians obtain medical documentation each time their student misses school and visits the doctor due to illness or for an appointment, and provide this documentation to the school. This practice ensures that the school has a record of the visit, which can help in excusing the absence if necessary, and also provides clarity in the event of a prolonged illness.
• Keeping a consistent record of medical visits ensures that the school has appropriate documentation on file, helping to prevent misunderstandings or issues with excused absences.

    Illness while at school:

• If a student becomes ill during the day, they should get a pass from a teacher to go to the nurse. The nurse will determine whether a call home is warranted. If the nurse sends a student home from school, that absence will be excused and not count toward the 10 absence threshold.

3. Appointments:

• Non-emergency medical and dental appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours or on non-school days whenever possible.
• Students should come to school before and/or after appointments, as they generally do not need to miss the whole day.
• This helps minimize disruptions to students’ learning and ensures they stay on track with their studies.
• It is recommended that parents/guardians obtain medical documentation each time their student misses school for an appointment, and provide this documentation to the school.

4. Personal Absences:

• Personal absences will be considered excused. Activities that may fall under this category are vacations, family events, non-school sponsored sports or academic activities, etc.
• After 5 personal absences, any additional absences will be considered unexcused unless approved by the school administration. Requests for excused absences beyond the limits identified must be submitted via Google Form and will be reviewed by the school administration on a case-by-case basis. A letter will be sent to each household to notify them of this.
• Absences due to funerals, religious observances, family emergencies, court/legal proceedings, college visits, or military involvement will not be counted towards the 5 absence threshold.
• Parents/guardians must notify the school office and classroom teacher of any pre-planned absences at least 5 days in advance. While we will do our best to provide assignments ahead of time, it can be challenging to predict the exact pacing of instruction during a student’s absence. As a result, students may be required to make up additional work upon their return.

5. Unexcused Absences:

An absence will be recorded as unexcused if one or more of the following applies:

• No communication has been received from a parent or guardian,
• Required medical documentation has not been submitted,
• Additional personal days were not requested using the designated Google Form,
• A student leaves school due to illness without first being evaluated by the school nurse,
• The absence does not fall under the categories of illness or personal days, or absences beyond the limits identified. Examples of unexcused absences or tardies include, but are not limited to:
• • Missing the bus
  • Sleeping in
  • School refusal
  • Skipping school or class periods
  • Car trouble
  • Babysitting/Helping out at home
  • Work
  • Student doesn’t meet immunization requirements or exemptions are not on file
  • Any other absence that does not meet the criteria for an excused absence

Minnesota Statute (120A.22) gives schools specific guidelines around what can and cannot be considered an excuse for missing school. Please be aware that the school administration holds the final say in whether an absence is excused. Parents/guardians notify the school of the reason for a student’s absence. The school must determine whether the reason fits the school board approved criteria and meets the requirement of the law.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide the necessary documentation or communication within 5 calendar days of the absence. If not cleared within this timeframe, the absence will remain unexcused and will not be changed retroactively.

6. Consequences for Unexcused Absences:

• When a student has accumulated 7 unexcused absences during the school year, school officials may make an educational neglect referral to the county.

Please see the Rice County School Attendance and Truancy Brochure for more information.

7. Administrator Discretion:

• In some cases, the school administrator may use discretion to excuse absences outside of the outlined categories.
• Requests for excused absences beyond the limits identified must be submitted via Google Form and will be reviewed by the school administration on a case-by-case basis.
• Documentation or supporting information may be required for administrator review.

8. Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians:

• Parents/Guardians are responsible for ensuring that students attend school each day and arrive on time.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for notifying the school of all absences, preferably before the absence occurs.
• For illness or medical-related absences, parents/guardians must provide appropriate medical documentation when required.
• Parents/Guardians must notify teachers of any pre-planned absences at least 5 days in advance.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for submitting requests for excused absences beyond the limits identified via Google Form.
• It is important for parents/guardians to communicate with the school to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the status of their student’s attendance.

Middle School 6-8

Daily Absence Notification: Parents/Guardians must send an email or call the Student Absence Answering Service each day their student is absent. The line is available 24 hours a day:

Middle School: 507.663.0655 or msattendance@northfieldschools.org

Absence Verification: If a phone call or email from a parent/guardian is not received by 8:30 a.m. and your student is absent, school personnel will make every effort to contact you to verify the absence. Absences in which the school does not receive communication from the parent/guardian will be marked as unexcused. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide the necessary documentation or communication within 5 calendar days of the absence. If not cleared within this timeframe, the absence will remain unexcused and will not be changed retroactively.

Late Arrival: If a student has to leave early or attend an appointment during the school day, the parent/guardian should call, email, or send a note with the student, which must be submitted to school attendance personnel. The attendance personnel will send the student a message on Schoology, the student will show the message to their teacher, and they will be allowed to leave class at the designated time. Students must sign out before leaving the building and sign back in if/when they return.

Leaving School Early: If a student has to leave early or attend an appointment during the school day, the parent/guardian should call, email, or send a note with the student, which must be submitted to school attendance personnel. The attendance personnel will send the student a message on Schoology that allows them to leave class at the designated time. Students must sign out before leaving the building and sign back in if/when they return.

Attendance Guidelines

Every minute of a student’s time at school is important. Students who are absent for even one day, or who arrive later than their classmates, miss valuable instruction time and can easily fall behind in school. The Northfield School District recognizes the importance of regular attendance for student success. However, we also understand that circumstances such as illness or personal matters may occasionally require students to be absent. Chronic absence is defined as missing 10% (about 17 days) of school days for ANY reason (illness, vacation, appointments, etc.).

Both parents/guardians and students share the responsibility for ensuring regular school attendance. Below are the attendance guidelines outlining how absences will be managed. Please review this policy with your student.

1. Tardiness:

The Middle School follows a 7-period day schedule. Attendance is recorded for each class period, and punctuality is essential. The following guidelines apply:

• Tardy: Students who arrive up to 10 minutes late will be marked tardy for that hour.
• Absent (Late Arrival): Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late will be marked absent for the entire hour.
• Early Departure (Present): Students who leave with 10 minutes or less remaining will be marked present but left early.
• Absent (Early Departure): Students who leave more than 10 minutes before the end of an hour will be marked absent for the entire hour.

Please make every effort to arrive on time and stay for the full duration of each class. Students may receive a lunch detention for a set of 3 tardies in any class. If tardiness becomes a recurring issue, students will be referred to an administrator for further support and follow-up.

2. Illness-Related Absences:

• After 8 total absences (illness and personal combined), a letter of concern regarding attendance will be sent to each household.
• Up to 10 illness-related absences per school year will be considered excused.
• After 10 illness-related absences, further absences due to illness will require medical documentation from a healthcare provider to be considered excused. A letter will be sent to each household to notify them of this.
• Alternatively, if a medical office visit is not necessary or possible, students may be screened by the school nurse.
• If the student exceeds 10 illness-related absences and fails to provide proper medical documentation or be screened by the school nurse, the absences will be considered unexcused unless the school administration grants an exception.

    Good Practice for Medical Documentation:

• It is recommended that parents/guardians obtain medical documentation each time their student misses school and visits the doctor due to illness or for an appointment, and provide this documentation to the school. This practice ensures that the school has a record of the visit, which can help in excusing the absence if necessary, and also provides clarity in the event of a prolonged illness.
• Keeping a consistent record of medical visits ensures that the school has appropriate documentation on file, helping to prevent misunderstandings or issues with excused absences.

    Illness while at school:

• If a student becomes ill during the day, they should get a pass from a teacher to go to the nurse. The nurse will determine whether a call home is warranted. If the nurse sends a student home from school, that absence will be excused and not count toward the 10 absence threshold. If a student leaves school due to illness without first visiting the nurse, the absence will be unexcused.

3. Appointments:

• Non-emergency medical and dental appointments should be scheduled outside of school hours or on non-school days whenever possible.
• Students should come to school before and/or after appointments, as they generally do not need to miss the whole day.
• This helps minimize disruptions to students’ learning and ensures they stay on track with their studies.
• It is recommended that parents/guardians obtain medical documentation each time their student misses school for an appointment, and provide this documentation to the school.

4. Personal Absences:

• Personal absences will be considered excused. Activities that may fall under this category are vacations, family events, non-school sponsored sports or academic activities, etc.
• After 5 personal absences, any additional absences will be considered unexcused unless approved by the school administration. Requests for excused absences beyond the limits identified must be submitted via Google Form and will be reviewed by the school administration on a case-by-case basis. A letter will be sent to each household to notify them of this.
• Absences due to funerals, religious observances, family emergencies, court/legal proceedings, college visits, or military involvement will not be counted towards the 5 absence threshold.
• Parents/guardians must notify the school office and classroom teachers of any pre-planned absences at least 5 days in advance. While we will do our best to provide assignments ahead of time, it can be challenging to predict the exact pacing of instruction during a student’s absence. As a result, students may be required to make up additional work upon their return.

5. Unexcused Absences:

An absence will be recorded as unexcused if one or more of the following applies:

• No communication has been received from a parent or guardian,
• Required medical documentation has not been submitted,
• Additional personal days were not requested using the designated Google Form,
• A student leaves school due to illness without first being evaluated by the school nurse,
• The absence does not fall under the categories of illness or personal days, or absences beyond the limits identified. Examples of unexcused absences or tardies include, but are not limited to:
  • Missing the bus
  • Sleeping in
  • School refusal
  • Skipping school or class periods
  • Car trouble
  • Babysitting/Helping out at home
  • Work
  • Student doesn’t meet immunization requirements or exemptions are not on file
  • Any other absence that does not meet the criteria for an excused absence

Minnesota Statute (120A.22) gives schools specific guidelines around what can and cannot be considered an excuse for missing school. Please be aware that the school administration holds the final say in whether an absence is excused. Parents/guardians notify the school of the reason for a student’s absence. The school must determine whether the reason fits the school board approved criteria and meets the requirement of the law.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to provide the necessary documentation or communication within 5 calendar days of the absence. If not cleared within this timeframe, the absence will remain unexcused and will not be changed retroactively.

6. Consequences for Unexcused Absences:

• When a student has accumulated 7 unexcused absences during the school year, school officials can file truancy with the county.

Please see the Rice County School Attendance and Truancy Brochure for more information.

7. Administrator Discretion:

• In some cases, the school administrator may use discretion to excuse absences outside of the outlined categories.
• Requests for excused absences beyond the limits identified must be submitted via Google Form and will be reviewed by the school administration on a case-by-case basis.
• Documentation or supporting information may be required for administrator review.

8. Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians:

• Parents/Guardians are responsible for ensuring that students attend school each day and  arrive on time.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for notifying the school of all absences, preferably before the absence occurs.
• For illness or medical-related absences, parents/guardians must provide appropriate medical documentation when required.
• Parents/Guardians must notify teachers of any pre-planned absences at least 5 days in advance.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for submitting requests for excused absences beyond the limits identified via Google Form.
• It is important for parents/guardians to communicate with the school to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the status of their student’s attendance.

9. Responsibilities of Students:

• Students are responsible for attending school each day and arriving on time.
• Students are responsible for attending each class period, and arriving on time.
• Students should remind parents/guardians to notify the school of all absences.
• After accumulating three tardies in any class, students may be assigned a lunch detention. It is the student’s responsibility to serve this detention and take steps to improve their punctuality moving forward.

High School 9-12

Daily Absence Notification: Parents/Guardians must complete the attendance Google Form, send an email, or call the Student Absence Answering Service each day their student is absent. The line is available 24 hours a day:

High School: 507.663.0616, hsattendance@northfieldschools.org, or Google Form

Note: Eighteen-year-old students, with parent or guardian approval and completion of the required paperwork, are permitted to manage their own attendance.

Absence Verification: Absences in which the school does not receive communication from the parent/guardian will be marked as unexcused. It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian/eighteen-year-old student to provide the necessary documentation or communication within 5 calendar days of the absence. If not cleared within this timeframe, the absence will remain unexcused and will not be changed retroactively.

Late Arrival: Students arriving after the school day begins must check in at the front office to obtain a late arrival slip before heading to class. Parents/Guardians should complete the attendance Google Form, send an email, or call regarding their late arrival. Late arrivals with no parent/guardian communication, will be marked as unexcused.

Leaving School Early: If a student has to leave early or attend an appointment during the school day, the parent/guardian should complete the attendance Google Form, send an email, or call the school. School attendance personnel will provide the student with a pass to leave class at the designated time. Students must sign out before leaving the building and sign back in if/when they return.

Attendance Guidelines

Every minute of a student’s time at school is important. Students who are absent for even one day, or who arrive later than their classmates, miss valuable instruction time and can easily fall behind in school. The Northfield School District recognizes the importance of regular attendance for student success. However, we also understand that circumstances such as illness or personal matters may occasionally require students to be absent. Chronic absence is defined as missing 10% (about 17 days) of school days for ANY reason (illness, vacation, appointments, etc.).

Both parents/guardians and students share the responsibility for ensuring regular school attendance. Below are the attendance guidelines outlining how absences will be managed. Please review this policy with your student.

1. Tardiness:

The High School follows a 7-period day schedule. Attendance is recorded for each class period, and punctuality is essential. The following guidelines apply:

• Tardy: Students who arrive up to 10 minutes late will be marked tardy for that hour.
• Absent (Late Arrival): Students who arrive more than 10 minutes late will be marked absent for the entire hour.
• Early Departure (Present): Students who leave with 10 minutes or less remaining will be marked present but left early.
• Absent (Early Departure): Students who leave more than 10 minutes before the end of an hour will be marked absent for the entire hour.

Please make every effort to arrive on time and stay for the full duration of each class. After 3 or more tardies, detention or other consequences may be assigned and served during FLEX time. If tardiness becomes a recurring issue, students will be referred to an administrator for further support and follow-up.

2. Illness-Related Absences:

• After 8 total absences (illness and personal combined), a letter of concern regarding attendance will be sent to each household.
• Up to 10 illness-related absences per school year will be considered excused.
• After 10 illness-related absences, further absences due to illness will require medical documentation from a healthcare provider to be considered excused. A letter will be sent to each household to notify them of this.
• Alternatively, if a medical office visit is not necessary or possible, students may be screened by the school nurse.
• If the student exceeds 10 illness-related absences and fails to provide proper medical documentation or be screened by the school nurse, the absences will be considered unexcused unless the school administration grants an exception.

    Good Practice for Medical Documentation:

• It is recommended that parents/guardians obtain medical documentation each time their student misses school and visits the doctor due to illness or for an appointment, and provide this documentation to the school. This practice ensures that the school has a record of the visit, which can help in excusing the absence if necessary, and also provides clarity in the event of a prolonged illness.
• Keeping a consistent record of medical visits ensures that the school has appropriate documentation on file, helping to prevent misunderstandings or issues with excused absences.

    Illness while at school:

• If a student becomes ill during the day, they should get a pass from a teacher to go to the nurse. The nurse will determine whether a call home is warranted. If the nurse sends a student home from school, that absence will be excused and not count toward the 10 absence threshold. If a student leaves school due to illness without first visiting the nurse, the absence will be unexcused.

3. Appointments:

• Non-emergency medical and dental appointments, along with college visits, should be scheduled outside of school hours or on non-school days whenever possible.
• Students should come to school before and/or after appointments, as they generally do not need to miss the whole day.
• This helps minimize disruptions to students’ learning and ensures they stay on track with their studies.
• It is recommended that parents/guardians obtain medical documentation each time their student misses school for an appointment, and provide this documentation to the school.

4. Personal Absences:

• Personal absences will be considered excused. Activities that may fall under this category are vacations, family events, non-school sponsored sports or academic activities, etc.
• After 5 personal absences, any additional absences will be considered unexcused unless approved by the school administration. Requests for excused absences beyond the limits identified must be submitted via Google Form and will be reviewed by the school administration on a case-by-case basis. A letter will be sent to each household to notify them of this.
• Absences due to funerals, religious observances, family emergencies, court/legal proceedings, college visits, or military involvement will not be counted towards the 5 absence threshold.
• Parents/guardians must notify the school office of any pre-planned absences at least 5 days in advance. Students at the High School level must also notify classroom teachers. While we will do our best to provide assignments ahead of time, it can be challenging to predict the exact pacing of instruction during a student’s absence. As a result, students may be required to make up additional work upon their return.

5. Unexcused Absences:

An absence will be recorded as unexcused if one or more of the following applies:

• No communication has been received from a parent or guardian,
• Required medical documentation has not been submitted,
• Additional personal days were not requested using the designated Google Form,
• A student leaves school due to illness without first being evaluated by the school nurse,
• The absence does not fall under the categories of illness or personal days, or absences beyond the limits identified. Examples of unexcused absences or tardies include, but are not limited to:
• • Missing the bus
  • Sleeping in
  • School refusal
  • Skipping school or class periods
  • Car trouble
  • Babysitting/Helping out at home
  • Work
  • Student doesn’t meet immunization requirements or exemptions are not on file
  • Any other absence that does not meet the criteria for an excused absence

Minnesota Statute (120A.22) gives schools specific guidelines around what can and cannot be considered an excuse for missing school. Please be aware that the school administration holds the final say in whether an absence is excused. Parents/guardians notify the school of the reason for a student’s absence. The school must determine whether the reason fits the school board approved criteria and meets the requirement of the law.

It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian/eighteen-year-old student to provide the necessary documentation or communication within 5 calendar days of the absence. If not cleared within this timeframe, the absence will remain unexcused and will not be changed retroactively.

6. Consequences for Unexcused Absences:

• When a student has accumulated 7 unexcused absences during the school year, school officials can file truancy with the county.
• When a student has accumulated 9 or more unexcused absences in a class period during a semester, the student and parents/guardians will be informed that an appeal for credit is required to be eligible to remain in good standing in the course(s) in question.

Please see the Rice County School Attendance and Truancy Brochure for more information.

7. Administrator Discretion:

• In some cases, the school administrator may use discretion to excuse absences outside of the outlined categories.
• Requests for excused absences beyond the limits identified must be submitted via Google Form and will be reviewed by the school administration on a case-by-case basis.
• Documentation or supporting information may be required for administrator review.

8. Responsibilities of Parents and Guardians:

• Parents/Guardians are responsible for ensuring that students attend school each day and  arrive on time.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for notifying the school of all absences, preferably before the absence occurs.
• For illness or medical-related absences, parents/guardians must provide appropriate medical documentation when required.
• Parents/Guardians are responsible for submitting requests for excused absences beyond the limits identified via Google Form.
• It is important for parents/guardians to communicate with the school to avoid any confusion or misunderstanding regarding the status of their student’s attendance.

9. Responsibilities of Students:

• Students are responsible for attending school each day and arriving on time.
• Students are responsible for attending each class period, and arriving on time.
• Students should remind parents/guardians to notify the school of all absences.
• Students should monitor their attendance and tardy status in each class regularly.
• Students are responsible for notifying their teachers of any pre-planned absences at least 5 days in advance.
• After accumulating 3 tardies in any class, students may be assigned a FLEX time detention. It is the student’s responsibility to serve this detention and take steps to improve their punctuality moving forward.
• After accumulating 9 unexcused absences in a class period during a semester, an appeal for credit will be required to be eligible to remain in good standing in the course(s) in question. It is the student’s responsibility to complete this appeal.

Last modified:  July 17, 2025