It is the policy of the School Board that absences from school for observance of a religious holiday or because the tenets of a student's religion forbid secular activity during a school day or portion thereof shall be excused subject to compliance with this policy.

The following religious holidays for which student absence will be excused:

Periodically, the Superintendent shall consult with religious institutions and leaders in the community with regard to modification of the above list of religious holidays. The Board, however, is not bound by the information provided to the Superintendent by religious institutions and leaders.

Excused students will be given the opportunity to make up any work missed.

Parents must give to the school notice in writing of the intended absence. If the absence is denied, parents will have an opportunity to appeal the decision not to excuse an absence on a day or portion thereof which is not included in the above list of religious holidays.

Schools will refrain when possible from scheduling extra-curricular activities on the day of religious observance. When possible, schools will refrain from scheduling major assignments, tests, and examinations around religious holidays.

F.S. 1003.21
F.A.C. 6A-1.09514

Adopted 9/28/10