According to the NC Compulsory Attendance Law, what is a lawful/excused absence?

The state describes lawful absences as any of the following:  sickness, quarantine, death in the immediate family, medical or dental appointments, court or administrative proceedings when the child is a party to the action, religious observances, and educational opportunities.  When this happens, parents should write a note to the child's teacher that includes the child's name, the date(s) of the absence(s) and the reason.