At Theisen Middle School, we are dedicated to the education and well-being of all students. Regular attendance is key for students to be successful in their studies and in learning the necessary skills for future academic and career success. This letter serves to clarify what is expected from students and parents under the compulsory attendance laws of the State of Wisconsin. 

Students are expected to attend school each day and to arrive on time. If students must be absent from school, it is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to contact the school’s attendance office to explain and/or document the reason for the student’s absence at 920-906-6729. If the school does not receive communication from the parent/guardian, the absence will be marked “Unexcused.” You may see your student’s attendance record by logging on to Family Access. If you have trouble with logging on to Family Access, please contact the school.

Letter: 5 absences - You may receive a 5 absence letter from the school. This indicates that your student has accumulated 5 incidents of absence - these might be a full day or part of a day.  This letter is simply a notification for you so that you can monitor your child’s attendance.

Letter: 10 absences - State law indicates that parents may excuse up to 10 days in a school year for any reason. This may include things such as illness, vacation, funerals, and medical or legal appointments. If medical or legal appointments, please bring a note from the doctor or court so school can excuse the absence. If you receive a 10 absence letter from the school, this means that your student has reached their limit of 10 parentally excused absences, and any further absences must be accompanied by a doctor’s note in order to be counted as Excused.

Specifically for unexcused absences, families will receive an email, a Skyward Family Access post AND a letter in the US mail if/when their child reaches 5 and 10 incidents.

For 5, 10, and all subsequent incidents of absence - excused and/or unexcused - families will receive an email notification and a Skyward Family Access post with a letter.

If unexcused absences continue, you will be required to attend a meeting with the assistant principal to discuss your child’s attendance and possible solutions. At this point, the school is legally obligated to report the student’s truancy from school. It is very important that you attend the scheduled meeting, or contact the school and the student’s administrator to reschedule the meeting if you are unable to attend.  

Under the compulsory attendance laws of the State of Wisconsin, parents/guardians are held responsible for their student’s attendance. Therefore it is extremely important that you are in contact with the school regarding your student’s attendance, as citations and fines can be imposed on both the student and the parents/guardians for truancy.  We are here to help and support you in getting your student to school as required by state law.

If your student will be absent for any reason, please contact the school attendance office immediately (920-906-6729). If they will be absent for medical or legal reasons, please ask your medical provider or the court to provide you with a note certifying their absence. These notes will help us to accurately reflect your student’s attendance and must be turned in at the attendance office upon their return to school. If you have any questions now or in the future, please do not hesitate to contact your child’s principal. Our contact information is included below.  We appreciate your support and assistance in meeting your student’s needs.

Attendance Codes

E= Excused (Parent/Guardian notified the school of their absence either by phone, voicemail, or email by the end of the school day. These days DO count toward 10 allowable absences).

U=Unexcused (Parent/Guardian failed to notify the school of the absence and the absence is unexcused. The student is considered truant for that day/part of that day.

T= Tardy (The student arrived tardy to class without a pass).

Attendance Policy CHANGES

*New 2025-26 School Year