I handle it in terms of excused absences versus unexcused absences. A funeral would be an excused absence in my book; therfore, punishment would be minimal if at all. School functions, sickness with doctor's note, and deaths in the family are all excuseable and should be dealt with differently. Unexcused absences are a different matter and punishment will be very demanding and tough. This is how absences are handled with my team.
