Reasons for Absence

Valid reasons for student absence

CPS recognizes six reasons for an absence to be considered excused:
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1. ​Student illness, including mental or behavioral health (As of January 1, 2022, absences can be attributed to mental or behavioral health for up to five days. Learn more: [ ENGLISH | SPANISH ]
2. Observance of a religious holiday (absence note required)
3. Death in the immediate family
4. Family emergency
5. Sounding taps at a military funeral for a deceased veteran
6. Parent or legal guardian is an active duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone

Additional considerations:

• Circumstances which cause reasonable concern to the parent for their child's safety or health (must be approved by the principal)
• Other situations beyond the control of the student (as determined by the principal)

medical information & conditions

• ​Students/families should inform their school if a physician diagnoses their child with a contagious or infectious disease, such as chicken pox or measles.
• Keep up-to-date on all your child's health examinations and immunizations so your student does not miss school.

mental health days

CPS offers a variety of resources for students in need of mental health support.

• Hazel Health offers access to free, high-quality online therapy and counseling. This helps students feel better faster, miss less school, and get care even if their family can’t easily visit a clinic. It’s a simple way to keep students healthy and ready to learn.

Visit our Mental Health page to learn more about the different mental wellness options provided to your student!

3 Ways to Report Absences

1. Phone Call

• A direct phone call/voicemail to Pickard Elementary at (773) 535-7280.
• Press 2 for English, Press 3 for Spanish
• Press 2 for the Attendance Office

2. Written Note

• Report an absence with a written note or letter signed by the parent/guardian. The note can be turned into a teacher or the Pickard main office. 

3. ​E-Absence (Parent Portal)

• Submit absences through the Aspen Parent Portal with the E-Absence feature. To learn more about how to use E-Absence, view the information below.

Log In

​How to Use E-Absence

E-Absence allows parents and guardians to submit, schedule and track your student’s absences through the Aspen Parent Portal. You can sign in to your account at Aspen.cps.edu to use the E-Absence feature. To access Parent Portal, you must:

• Be listed as a contact for your student in the Student Information System.
• Have a valid email in the student’s contact records.
• Request and submit the validation code sent via email.

Don’t have an account? Contact your school clerk to register for an account today. You can also learn more on the Parent Portal page.

For Frequently Asked Questions and to Learn More

Please see the E-Absence FAQs on the CPS.edu website.