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Pupil Personnel: Enrollment, Attendance and Records

Did you know that school attendance is the leading indicator of your child’s lifelong success?

Attendance at Butler County Schools

 

 

Every day counts! At Butler County Schools we care that every student shows up to school, all day every day. We are committed to working with families to ensure that every student attends school regularly and achieves their full potential. By prioritizing attendance, we can create a brighter future for all our students. 

Attendance Tips

Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can. 

Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home.  If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator. 

Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning.  If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal. 

Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours.  Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience. 


 

 

Josh Belcher, DPPContact Information

If you have any questions, please contact:

Josh Belcher
Asst. Superintendent/Director of Pupil Personnel
josh.belcher@butler.kyschools.us    270-662-6039

 

 

 

 

 

District Attendance Policy

It is important that you contact your child’s school if your child is absent from school. 

On the day of your student’s absence, you will receive a notification via ParentSquare, phone call, through Campus Parent  if the absence has been reported via our district system. Contacting parents and guardians of students who are not in class is an important measure undertaken by the BCS to ensure the safety of all of our students.

Butler County Schools recognizes that there may be legitimate reasons for absences, such as illness, family emergencies, or religious observances. Parents/guardians are required to provide documentation to excuse absences. Documentation must be submitted within 5 schools days. 

A student absence is considered excused under the following circumstances:

  • Illness
  • Family emergency
  • Death of a family member
  • Medical or dental appointment
  • Pre-approved educational travel (not to exceed 10 days per year) *Must be document
  • Pre-approved religious instruction 
  • Court hearing
  • Dismissed from school by a school nurse or administrator
  • Care provided by a licensed health care or therapy practitioner
  • Parent deployed for or on leave from combat posting
  • “Rare and extraordinary circumstances” approved by the Superintendent (this is very narrowly defined)

 All absences are considered unexcused, until the school receives a note, email or ParentSquare documention of a valid reason for the absence.  If the reason isn’t valid, the absence is still considered unexcused. If the note isn’t received within 10 days, the absence is considered unexcused. If a note is received within 5 school days, the absence may be reclassified as excused. Unexcused absences are considered “unlawful absences” if the student is of compulsory school age. Assignments, priviledges or reward events may be penalized due to unexcused absences.

Butler County Schools honors a total of 6 “parent notes” per school year. Once reaching the maximum, parents not wanting to seek medical attention are encouraged to bring child to the school’s nurse for validation to excuse the absence.

Students who miss a significant number of school days, regardless of the reason, are considered chronically absent and may face academic and social challenges. Butler County Schools is committed to working with families to address chronic absenteeism and support student success. We are committed to your child’s success and we are your partner. Together, we can set your student up for success! 

  • It is important that you contact your child’s school if your child is absent from school. 

    On the day of your student’s absence, you will receive a notification via ParentSquare, phone call, through Campus Parent  if the absence has been reported via our district system. Contacting parents and guardians of students who are not in class is an important measure undertaken by the BCS to ensure the safety of all of our students.

  • Butler County Schools recognizes that there may be legitimate reasons for absences, such as illness, family emergencies, or religious observances. Parents/guardians are required to provide documentation to excuse absences. Documentation must be submitted within 5 schools days. 

    A student absence is considered excused under the following circumstances:

    • Illness
    • Family emergency
    • Death of a family member
    • Medical or dental appointment
    • Pre-approved educational travel (not to exceed 10 days per year) *Must be document
    • Pre-approved religious instruction 
    • Court hearing
    • Dismissed from school by a school nurse or administrator
    • Care provided by a licensed health care or therapy practitioner
    • Parent deployed for or on leave from combat posting
    • “Rare and extraordinary circumstances” approved by the Superintendent (this is very narrowly defined)
  •  All absences are considered unexcused, until the school receives a note, email or ParentSquare documention of a valid reason for the absence.  If the reason isn’t valid, the absence is still considered unexcused. If the note isn’t received within 10 days, the absence is considered unexcused. If a note is received within 5 school days, the absence may be reclassified as excused. Unexcused absences are considered “unlawful absences” if the student is of compulsory school age. Assignments, priviledges or reward events may be penalized due to unexcused absences.

  • Butler County Schools honors a total of 6 “parent notes” per school year. Once reaching the maximum, parents not wanting to seek medical attention are encouraged to bring child to the school’s nurse for validation to excuse the absence.

  • Students who miss a significant number of school days, regardless of the reason, are considered chronically absent and may face academic and social challenges. Butler County Schools is committed to working with families to address chronic absenteeism and support student success. We are committed to your child’s success and we are your partner. Together, we can set your student up for success! 

Why Attendance Matters

Academic Achievement


Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time, and pursue higher education opportunities.

Social and Emotional Development


School provides a supportive environment where students can develop social skills, build friendships, and enhance their emotional well-being.

Future Success


Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.

Butler County School's Commitment