School attendance directly correlates with many things including academic success, graduation rates, and reading proficiency. Below you will find information regarding our school attendance policy.
ATTENDANCE
All students should attend school regularly and be on time for all classes in order to receive the greatest benefit from the instructional program and to develop habits of punctuality, self-discipline and individual responsibility. There is a direct relationship between poor attendance and class failure. Students who have good attendance generally achieve higher grades and enjoy school more. In accordance with state guidelines, a student who isin attendance less than half of the school day is deemed absent for reporting and truancy purposes.
I. Classification of Excused or Unexcused Absence
A. A written excuse will be required of every student after absence, to be presented the day the child returns to school. The principal of the local school, or designee, will determine and code the excused or unexcused status of an absence. If an acceptable reason for excusing an absence is not presented within three (3) days of the child's return to school, the absence will be coded as unexcused. (See paragraph C below for absences beyond the 5th in a semester).
B. Basis for Granting Excused Absence Status: (See paragraph C below for absences beyond the 5th in a semester).
1. Personal illness of the student
2. Dr. Note or Hospitalization
3. Inclement weather that would be dangerous to the life or health of a child if school is attended. Normally, inclement weather is defined as when buses do not run due to adverse weather conditions.
4. Legal quarantine
5. Death in immediate family
6. An emergency or any other extenuating circumstances as determined by `the principal or principal's designee. (Non-emergency absences must have prior approval before the absence in order to have excused status.)
7. Court subpoena
8. Religious Holidays
9. Absences approved by principal
C. After the fifth absence in a semester, additional documentation / verification of the nature of the absence will be required in determining if the absence is excused or unexcused. A doctor's excuse must be presented or, in the absence of a doctor's excuse, the parent must arrange for a conference with the principal or designee within three (3) days of the child's return to school for consideration of excused status.
Strategies for Caregivers to Encourage Attendance:
- Let your child know that your family values education.
- Set clear expectations that going to school and being on time is not optional.
- Talk with your child about school and listen to their concerns.
- Help your child identify their personal interests and strengths.
- Support you child's efforts with studying, completing homework, and working on academic skills and responsibilities.
- Know how your child's teacher sends important information home.
- Attend school events when possible.
- Communicate concerns with school staff when needed.
