1. education
2. school

Putnam City Schools
Student Services
Joe Ellis, Director of Student Services • jellis@putnamcityschools.org
Putnam City Center
5604 NW 41st Street
Oklahoma City, OK 73122
Phone: 405/491-7631
Fax: 405/491-7634
www.putnamcityschools.org
Dear Putnam City Parents and Guardians,
In order for your child to be successful in school, regular and punctual attendance is vital. In that regard
we want parents to be aware of a change in Putnam City Schools’ policy regarding student attendance.
In the past, the district’s policy stated that a student was allowed five parental excused absences each
“grading term.” The policy didn’t specifically define the meaning of a “grading term.”
The policy has now been clarified to say that students are allowed five parental excused absences each
semester. All absences beyond the first five parental excused absences are considered unexcused or
unverified without proper documentation. Official documentation includes a doctor’s note, verification
of a court appearance and funeral/memorial documentation.
The attendance policy for Putnam City Schools, written in accordance with state law, reads this way:
Putnam City Schools District Policy EF:
“Every student shall attend school regularly. Regular attendance at school is necessary for students to fully
benefit from the educational experience, teaches students the necessity of regular attendance in preparation
for work, and teaches students to be personally responsible. Excused absences are those due to illness or
personal injury, medical and dental appointments, court appearances, religious holidays, and family
emergencies. No student shall receive an excused absence without proper documentation. Written or verbal
communication from the parent or guardian may be considered acceptable by the principal for the first five
(5) excused absences during the semester. Additional absences will be considered unexcused unless official
written documentation is submitted (ex: doctor’s note, verification of a court appearance, memorial service
folder, etc.). The Administration may provide appropriate consequences for unexcused absences.”
Communication or documentation about an absence must be received within five school days from the
last day of the student’s absence. If you have extenuating circumstances please contact your child’s
school immediately.
Sincerely,
Joe Ellis
Director of Student Services