Cumberland Community Unit School District #77        7:80


Students

Release Time for Religious Instruction/Observance

Religious Observance

A student shall be released from school, as an excused absence, for the purpose of observing a religious holiday.  The parent(s)/guardian(s) must give written notice to the District 5 days before the students anticipated absence.

The parent(s)/guardian(s)s written notification of the students anticipated absence shall satisfy the Districts requirement for a written excuse when the student returns to school.

The Superintendent shall develop and distribute to teachers appropriate procedures regarding student absences for a religious holiday which include a list of religious holidays on which students shall be excused from attendance, how teachers are notified of a students impending absence, and the State law requirement that teachers provide the student an equivalent opportunity to make up any examination, study, or work requirement.

Religious Instruction

A student shall be released from school for a day or portion of a day for the purpose of religious instruction.  A letter, requesting the student's absence and written by the students parent(s)/guardian(s), must be given to the Building Principal at least 5 days before the day the student is to be absent.

LEGAL REF.:        Religious Freedom Restoration Act, 775 ILCS 35/5.

105 ILCS 5/26-1 and 5/26-2b.

CROSS REF.:        7:70 (Attendance and Truancy)

ADOPTED:         March 17, 2003