Determine to whom the letter should be addressed. It may be your child's teacher, the school principal or the person who handles attendance for the school. If you're not sure to whom the letter should be addressed, call the school and ask.
At the top of the letter, write the month, date and year that your child will be returning to school after the absence. For example, if your child missed class from May 16 through May 18, 2011, and is returning to class on the morning of May 19, 2011, the letter should be dated May 19, 2011.
Write or type the word "Dear" followed by the name of the person you are addressing the letter to, followed by a comma.
Skip down two lines and begin the body of the letter. Ask that your child be excused for her absence and explain why the absence was necessary. For example, you might write, "Please excuse Bella for missing class from Monday, May 16, through Wednesday, May 18. She had a terrible case of stomach flu and was not well enough to come."
If necessary, include details of the child's plan to make up missed work, such as, "I have already picked up the class notes from one of her friends, and she will complete all missed work by Monday, May 23."
Skip down a couple of lines and add a simple expression of gratitude such as, "Thank you so much for your time and consideration."
Finish with a closing, such as "Sincerely" followed by a comma. Skip down one more line and write or print your name. If you are typing the letter, leave space for your signature, then type your name beneath that space.
Include your phone number at the bottom so the recipient of the letter can reach you if there are further questions.
If you type the letter, don't forget to sign it after you print it out.
Give the completed letter your child. Instruct her to give the letter to the appropriate person as soon as she arrives at school.