In order to be eligible to receive grades, high school and junior high students shall be in attendance a minimum of 80 days per semester , or 160 days per school year for schools not operating on a semester basis. Elementary students shall be in attendance a minimum of 160 days per school year. Excused Absences – students shall be excused from school for the following reasons, and be given the opportunity to make up work missed: personal illness (with doctor’s verification) death in the family (not to exceed one week) serious illness in the family (with documented verification) recognized religious holidays of the student’s own faith legal appointments NOTE: Doctor's excuses must be submitted within 48 hours of the student's return to school. Unexcused absences – students shall not be excused for any absence other than those listed and shall be given failing grades for those days missed with no make-up work allowed. Suspensions from school are unexcused absences. Exceptions: School sponsored activities or requests for an excused absence by a parent prior to the absence.