This bill amends West Virginia Code §18-8-4 to include provisions that recognize participation in 4-H activities as an excused absence for students. Specifically, it adds a new category under "excused absence" that allows students to be credited as present when participating in 4-H sponsored activities, similar to how educational field trips are treated. The bill outlines that school principals or their designees cannot count a student as absent for attending these activities, and it requires that students be allowed to make up any missed schoolwork without their grades being adversely affected. Additionally, it mandates that 4-H agents provide documentation of a student's participation upon request from school officials.

The bill also includes several provisions aimed at improving school attendance and addressing unexcused absences. It establishes a "System of Support Plan" (SOS Plan) that requires school officials to maintain meaningful contact with parents or guardians to discuss attendance issues and support students in attending school. The bill outlines a process for addressing unexcused absences, including making contact with parents after a certain number of unexcused absences and potentially filing complaints against guardians if absences exceed ten. Overall, the bill seeks to enhance student participation in extracurricular activities while ensuring that attendance is monitored and supported effectively.

Statutes affected:
Introduced Version: 18-8-4