Attendance Matters

Religious Expression Days

Pursuant to Ohio Revised Code 3320.04, students may take up to three religious expression days each school year to observe their faith. To use this option, a parent or guardian must submit written notice to the school naming the specific day(s) the student will be absent. This notice is due within 14 school days of the start of the school year (or within 14 days of a student's first day if they enroll later in the year). 

Here's what families can expect on an approved religious expression day: 

• No penalty for the absence. Students will not face academic penalties for the absence, and the school will work with them to reschedule any exams or assignments they miss.

• No impact on extracurricular eligibility. Students may still participate in sports, practices, or other extracurricular activities that day.

• No effect on parental notification for excessive absences. These days are not counted toward the absence-hour threshold that triggers notification letters under ORC 3321.191(C).

No inclusion or exclusion of a religious holiday or festival on the list provided by the State Superintendent shall preclude a student from full and reasonable accommodations for any sincerely held religious beliefs and practices for reasons of faith or religious or spiritual belief system. For questions regarding this policy, please contact your child's building Principal.

Non-exhaustive List of Major Religious Holidays (Ohio Dept. of Education and Workforce) - 

Board Policy 5200 - Attendance

Religious Expression Day Notification Form

For individual buildings attendance details, visit their school web pages at ohsld.us