Apple Valley HS Absence Protocols

Dear Apple Valley High School Families,

Missing school can impact your child's success. Students who miss more than 10% of school days are more likely to fall behind academically, struggle with social skills, and drop out of school.

Last year, one of every seven District 196 students missed over 10% of school days, which is just two days per month. To address this, we created new systems to support attendance.

It is important to understand the consequences that occur and processes we will follow when students are absent from school. Our goal is, as always, is to ensure that your child has the best opportunity to thrive.

When your student has unexcused absences from ANY SINGLE CLASS PERIOD families will receive an automated phone call and students may receive a school-based consequence.

5 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Administrative Intervention

• Student meets with school staff to address issues.

• Parents/guardians are notified and offered resources to help.
  
  

7 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Collaborative Development

• Student and parent/guardian meet with school staff to discuss ways to prevent additional absences.

• Consequences may include detention, in-school suspension, and/or loss of privileges.

• Referral is made to the Dakota County Truancy Reduction Program, as required by state law.
  
  

10 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Final Measures

• Students may receive a "No Credit" (NC) or an "F" depending on performance in the class. Opportunities are available to restore credit.

• Absences due to illness are excused for up to ten days. A doctor’s note is required AFTER 10 absences due to illness.

Regular attendance helps students enjoy school more and feel connected to their community. It also boosts academic performance and enhances social skills.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

• Achieve higher grades

• Increase the chance of graduating

• Participate in hands-on, collaborative learning

• Access better academic support

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL SKILLS

• Form friendships

• Develop emotional skills such as empathy, patience, confidence, and teamwork

• Enhance communication skills

• Encourage showing up on time to every class period each day.

• Maintain routines, limit technology, ensure good sleep.

• Avoid appointments during the school day, whenever possible.

• Encourage participation in school activities.

• Talk with your school to learn about support options

• Unexcused: An unexcused absence occurs when a student is absent without school approval.
  * If an absence is not reported, it will be deemed “unexcused” after 48 hours.
  
  

• Excused: Illness, medical/dental appointments during school hours, and pre-planned absences.
  * Absences due to illness are excused for up to 10 days. A doctor’s note is required after 10 absences due to illness.
  
  

Exempt: School-authorized absences detailed in District 196 Attendance Policy.

You must report all absences:

1. AVHS Absence Call-in Voicemail 952-431-8299

2. Report all absences online (student ID and birth date required) or call the school’s attendance office, and

3. message cocurricular coaches/advisors to let them know your student will be absent.

Stay on track:

• Check Schoology for homework updates.

• Communicate with teachers and classmates to make up for missed work.

Website: avhs.district196.org
Location: 14450 Hayes Road, Apple Valley, MN, USA
Phone: 952 431 8200