Sometimes, students may fall ill and miss school for a few days. In such cases, it is important to write an excuse letter to inform the school about the reason for the absence and the expected date of return. An excuse letter is a formal document that shows respect for the school authorities and helps them keep track of the student’s attendance and academic progress.
In this article, we will explain how to write an effective excuse letter for a sick student and provide some downloadable samples that you can use as templates.
How to Write an Excuse Letter
Start with the Date and Salutation
The first step in writing an excuse letter is to start with the date. This helps the recipient know when the letter was written. Follow this with a proper salutation, addressing the letter to the principal, teacher, or whoever is in charge of attendance.
Explain the Reason for the Absence
Clearly state the reason for the student’s absence. Be specific and honest about the illness and the symptoms. Mention the doctor’s diagnosis and prescription, if applicable. This information helps the school understand the situation and take appropriate action.
Express Concern for the Child’s Education
Show that you are concerned about your child’s education and apologize for any inconvenience the absence may have caused. Request any missed assignments or homework that your child can complete at home. This demonstrates that you value your child’s learning and are proactive in ensuring they stay on track.
End with a Complimentary Close and Your Signature
Conclude the letter with a complimentary close and your signature. Include your name, contact number, and email address for further communication. This makes it easy for the school to reach out to you if they have any questions or concerns.
Proofread and Edit the Letter
Before sending the letter, proofread and edit it for grammar, spelling, and punctuation errors. Make sure it is clear, concise, and polite. A well-written letter reflects positively on you and your child.
Send or Deliver the Letter Promptly
Send or deliver your letter as soon as possible, preferably before or on the first day of absence. You can also attach a doctor’s note or certificate if required by school policy. This ensures the school is informed in a timely manner and can make necessary arrangements.
Excuse Letter Samples
To help you write your own excuse letter for a sick student, we have compiled more than ten samples that you can use as references or templates. These samples cover different scenarios, such as fever, flu, chickenpox, and stomach aches. You can download and print these samples for free, or modify them according to your needs. Just remember to fill in the blanks with the relevant information, such as the name of the student, his or her preferred pronouns, the date of absence, and the name of the school.
Sample 1: Absent Due to Fever or Flu
[Date]
[Teacher or Principal’s name]
[School name]
[School Address]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to inform you that my [son][daughter], [Name of Student], will not be able to attend [his][her] classes today, [date], due to a high fever. [He][She] started feeling unwell yesterday evening, and [his][her] temperature rose to 39°C this morning. I took [him][her] to the doctor, and [he][she] was diagnosed with a viral infection. He was prescribed some medication and advised to rest at home for at least two days.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by [his][her] absence, and I hope you will understand [his][her] situation. I am concerned about [his][her] education, and I would appreciate it if you could send me any assignments or homework that [he][she] can do at home. I will also make sure that [he][she] studies the lessons that [he][she] missed and prepares for any quizzes or tests that [he][she] may have.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Sample 2: Absent Due to Stomach Ache
[Date]
[Teacher or Principal’s name]
[School name]
[School Address]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to inform you that my [daughter][son], [Name of the student], will not be able to attend [her][his] classes today, [Date], due to a severe stomach ache. [She][He] woke up this morning with a lot of pain and nausea. I took [her][him] to the doctor, and he said that [she][he] might have food poisoning. He gave [her][him] some medication and advised [her][him] to stay in bed and drink plenty of fluids.
I regret any trouble caused by [her][his] absence and I kindly ask for your understanding of [her][his] situation. I care about [her][his] education and I would be grateful if you could provide me any assignments or homework that [she][he] can work on at home. I will also ensure that [she][he] catches up on the lessons that [she][he] skipped and gets ready for any quizzes or tests that [she][he] may have. If possible, I would also like to request some remedial classes or lessons for [her][him] when [she][he] returns to school.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Sample 3: If the Student Has Sore Eyes
[Date]
[Teacher or Principal’s name]
[School name]
[School Address]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to inform you that I, [Student’s Name], will not be able to attend my classes today, [date], due to sore eyes (conjunctivitis). I noticed some redness and itching in my eyes yesterday, and I went to the doctor. He confirmed that I had conjunctivitis, and he prescribed me some eye drops and antibiotics. He also told me to avoid contact with other people as much as possible because conjunctivitis is contagious.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by my absence, and I hope you will understand my situation. I am concerned about my education, and I would appreciate it if you could send me any assignments or homework that I can do at home. I will also study the lessons that I missed and prepare for any quizzes or tests that I may have.
However, I have a problem. Today is supposed to be my day to report in class about our group project. I don’t want to let my group mates down, and I don’t want to lose points for our project. Is there any way that I can still do my report without going to school? Maybe I can do it online via video call or send you a recorded presentation. Please let me know what you think and what I should do.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at [Your Number] or [your email].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Sample 4: Absent Due to Chickenpox
[Date]
[Teacher or Principal’s name]
[School name]
[School Address]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to inform you that my [son][daughter], [Name of Student], will not be able to attend [his][her] classes for the next few days due to chickenpox. [He][She] has been diagnosed by the doctor and has been advised to stay home and rest to avoid spreading the infection to other students. The doctor has recommended a minimum of one week of rest.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by [his][her] absence, and I hope you will understand [his][her] situation. I am concerned about [his][her] education, and I would appreciate it if you could send me any assignments or homework that [he][she] can do at home. I will also ensure that [he][she] studies the lessons that [he][she] missed and prepares for any upcoming quizzes or tests.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Sample 5: Absent Due to Migraine
[Date]
[Teacher or Principal’s name]
[School name]
[School Address]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to inform you that my [son][daughter], [Name of Student], will not be able to attend [his][her] classes today, [date], due to a severe migraine. [He][She] has been experiencing intense headaches and sensitivity to light, which makes it difficult for [him][her] to concentrate and participate in school activities.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by [his][her] absence, and I hope you will understand [his][her] situation. I am concerned about [his][her] education, and I would appreciate it if you could send me any assignments or homework that [he][she] can do at home. I will also ensure that [he][she] catches up on the lessons that [he][she] missed and prepares for any quizzes or tests that [he][she] may have.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Sample 6: Absent Due to Cold and Cough
[Date]
[Teacher or Principal’s name]
[School name]
[School Address]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to inform you that my [son][daughter], [Name of Student], will not be able to attend [his][her] classes today, [date], due to a severe cold and cough. [He][She] has been experiencing a persistent cough and congestion, which has made it difficult for [him][her] to participate in school activities.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by [his][her] absence, and I hope you will understand [his][her] situation. I am concerned about [his][her] education, and I would appreciate it if you could send me any assignments or homework that [he][she] can do at home. I will also ensure that [he][she] catches up on the lessons that [he][she] missed and prepares for any quizzes or tests that [he][she] may have.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Sample 7: Absent Due to Sprained Ankle
[Date]
[Teacher or Principal’s name]
[School name]
[School Address]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to inform you that my [son][daughter], [Name of Student], will not be able to attend [his][her] classes today, [date], due to a sprained ankle. [He][She] injured [his][her] ankle while playing and is currently unable to walk properly. The doctor has advised [him][her] to rest and avoid putting weight on the injured ankle.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by [his][her] absence, and I hope you will understand [his][her] situation. I am concerned about [his][her] education, and I would appreciate it if you could send me any assignments or homework that [he][she] can do at home. I will also ensure that [he][she] catches up on the lessons that [he][she] missed and prepares for any quizzes or tests that [he][she] may have.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Sample 8: Absent Due to Asthma Attack
[Date]
[Teacher or Principal’s name]
[School name]
[School Address]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to inform you that my [son][daughter], [Name of Student], will not be able to attend [his][her] classes today, [date], due to an asthma attack. [He][She] has been experiencing difficulty breathing and wheezing, and the doctor has advised [him][her] to stay home and rest until [his][her] condition improves.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by [his][her] absence, and I hope you will understand [his][her] situation. I am concerned about [his][her] education, and I would appreciate it if you could send me any assignments or homework that [he][she] can do at home. I will also ensure that [he][she] catches up on the lessons that [he][she] missed and prepares for any quizzes or tests that [he][she] may have.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Sample 9: Absent Due to Ear Infection
[Date]
[Teacher or Principal’s name]
[School name]
[School Address]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to inform you that my [son][daughter], [Name of Student], will not be able to attend [his][her] classes today, [date], due to an ear infection. [He][She] has been experiencing pain and discomfort in [his][her] ear, and the doctor has advised [him][her] to stay home and rest until [his][her] condition improves.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by [his][her] absence, and I hope you will understand [his][her] situation. I am concerned about [his][her] education, and I would appreciate it if you could send me any assignments or homework that [he][she] can do at home. I will also ensure that [he][she] catches up on the lessons that [he][she] missed and prepares for any quizzes or tests that [he][she] may have.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Sample 10: Absent Due to Sinus Infection
[Date]
[Teacher or Principal’s name]
[School name]
[School Address]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to inform you that my [son][daughter], [Name of Student], will not be able to attend [his][her] classes today, [date], due to a sinus infection. [He][She] has been experiencing severe congestion and headaches, which has made it difficult for [him][her] to participate in school activities.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by [his][her] absence, and I hope you will understand [his][her] situation. I am concerned about [his][her] education, and I would appreciate it if you could send me any assignments or homework that [he][she] can do at home. I will also ensure that [he][she] catches up on the lessons that [he][she] missed and prepares for any quizzes or tests that [he][she] may have.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Sample 11: Absent Due to Tonsillitis
[Date]
[Teacher or Principal’s name]
[School name]
[School Address]
Dear [Recipient’s name],
I am writing to inform you that my [son][daughter], [Name of Student], will not be able to attend [his][her] classes today, [date], due to tonsillitis. [He][She] has been experiencing a sore throat and difficulty swallowing, and the doctor has advised [him][her] to stay home and rest until [his][her] condition improves.
I apologize for any inconvenience caused by [his][her] absence, and I hope you will understand [his][her] situation. I am concerned about [his][her] education, and I would appreciate it if you could send me any assignments or homework that [he][she] can do at home. I will also ensure that [he][she] catches up on the lessons that [he][she] missed and prepares for any quizzes or tests that [he][she] may have.
Thank you for your consideration and cooperation. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me at [Your Phone Number] or [Your Email].
Sincerely,
[Your Signature]
[Your Printed Name]
Conclusion
Writing an effective excuse letter for a sick student is important for maintaining good communication with the school and ensuring that your child’s education is not disrupted. By following the tips and using the samples provided in this article, you can create a well-written and polite excuse letter that explains the reason for your child’s absence and requests any missed assignments or homework.
FAQs
What Should Be Included in an Excuse Letter?
An excuse letter should include the date, salutation, reason for absence, concern for the child’s education, and a complimentary close with your signature.
How Soon Should I Send the Excuse Letter?
You should send or deliver the excuse letter as soon as possible, preferably before or on the first day of absence.
Do I Need a Doctor’s Note for the Excuse Letter?
A doctor’s note is not always required but can be helpful if the school requests proof of illness.
Can I Email the Excuse Letter?
Yes, you can email the excuse letter if the school accepts electronic communication.
What if My Child Misses Only One Day of School?
Even if your child misses only one day of school, it is still a good idea to inform the school about the reason for the absence and request any missed assignments or homework.
By following these guidelines and using the provided samples, you can write an effective excuse letter for a sick student that helps maintain good communication with the school and ensures that your child’s education is not disrupted.