Attendance Policy
Students are expected to attend all assigned classes each day. Teachers shall keep a record of
absence and tardiness. Before the end of the school day, each school shall attempt to contact
every parent, guardian, or custodian whose child is absent from school but who has not reported
the child as absent for the school day, to determine whether the parent, guardian, or custodian is
aware of the child’s absence from school.
The following are valid excuses for absence and tardiness. Missed work assignments and
activities may be made up in the manner provided by the teacher.
1.Participation in school-approved activity - To be excused, this absence must be
authorized by a staff member and the affected teacher(s) must be notified prior to the
absence, unless it is clearly impossible to do so.
2.Absence caused by illness, health condition, or family emergency - The parent is
expected to notify the school office on the morning of the absence or send a signed note
of explanation with the student upon his/her return to school.
3.Absence for parental-approved activities - This category of absence shall be counted as
excused for purposes agreed upon by the Principal and the parent. An absence may not
be approved if it causes a serious adverse effect on the student’s educational progress. In
participation-type classes (e.g., certain music and physical education classes), the student
may not be able to achieve the objectives of the unit of instruction as a result of absence
from class. In such a case, a parent-approved absence would have an adverse effect on
the student’s educational progress, which would ultimately be reflected in the grade for
such a course.
4.Absence resulting from disciplinary actions or short-term suspension - Students who
are removed from a class or classes as a disciplinary measure, or students who have been
placed on short-term suspension, shall have the right to make up assignments or exams
missed during time they were denied entry to the classroom.
5. Extended illness or health condition - If a student is confined to home or hospital for an
extended period, the school shall arrange for the accomplishment of assignments at the
place of confinement whenever practicable. If the student is unable to do his/her
schoolwork, or if there are major requirements of a particular course, which cannot be
accomplished outside of class, the student may be required to take an incomplete or
withdraw from the class without penalty.
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Attendance Policy
6. Excused absence for chronic health condition - Students with a chronic health condition which
interrupts regular attendance may qualify for placement in a limited attendance and participation
program. The student and his/her parent shall apply to the Principal or counselor, and a limited
program shall be written following the advice and recommendations of the student’s medical
advisor. The recommended limited program shall be approved by the Principal. Staff shall be
informed of the student’s needs, though the confidentiality of medical information shall be
respected at the parent’s request. Absence verified by a medical practitioner might be sufficient
justification for home instruction.
Unexcused Absences
- Each unexcused absence shall be followed by a warning letter to the parent of the student.
A student’s grade shall not be affected if no graded activity is missed during such an
absence.
- When student evidences repeated truancies, a conference shall be held among the parent,
student and Principal
- If the above action fails to correct the truancy problem, the student shall be declared a
habitual truant. The attendance administrator shall interview the student and his/her
family and prescribe corrective action, which may include suspension for the current
semester, expulsion, and/or file a complaint against the parent, guardian, or other person
responsible for the care of the child in a court of competent jurisdiction. A student who
has been expelled for attendance violations may petition the Board for reinstatement.
Such petition may be granted upon presentation of a firm and unequivocal commitment
to maintain regular attendance.
Students are expected to be in class on time. When a student’s tardiness becomes frequent or
disruptive, the student shall be referred to the Principal or counselor. If counseling, parent
conference, or disciplinary action is ineffective in changing the student’s attendance behavior,
he/ she may be suspended from the class.
All sanctions imposed for failure to comply with the attendance policies and procedures shall be
implemented in conformance with state and district regulations regarding corrective action or
punishment.