Types of Absences

1. Excused/Unexcused Absences - Legal excuses for absences include:

o Personal illness (includes doctor/dentist appointments)
o Illness in the family or death of a relative
o Observance of a religious holiday
o Unusual circumstances where permission from the principal has been obtained
o Extended vacation with family if prior arrangements have been made with the principal three days in advance

All other absences will be considered unexcused. Examples of unexcused absences include: missing the bus, oversleeping, vacation without prior approval, car trouble, baby-sitting, shopping, working, truancy, hair appointments, and cutting classes.

Disciplinary action may be appropriate for unexcused absences.

*AFTER TEN (10) ABSENCES, A DOCTOR'S STATEMENT OR PROOF OF SPECIAL CIRCUMSTANCES WILL BE REQUIRED FOR AN ABSENCE OR A TARDY TO BE CONSIDERED EXCUSED.

Tardies vs. 1/2 Day Absence

If a student arrives after 9:30 a.m., the student will be charged with 1/2 day absence. If a student leaves before 1:00 p.m., the student will be charged with 1/2 day absence. If a student leaves school for a doctor appointment and misses more than 2 1/2 hours of school, the student will be charged with 1/2 day absence.

2. Tardies — The school day starts at 7:40 a.m. Students are expected to be in their class at this time each morning. Students who are excessively tardy to either class or school will be disciplined. Students who are tardy to school must sign the green sign-in sheet in the main office and obtain a hall pass in order to report to class. In order for the tardy to be excused, a note must be presented to the main office stating the specific reason for the tardiness. Then, only the reasons cited previously as legal excuses for absences will be excused. All other tardies, whether or not a note is presented, will be unexcused. Excessive tardiness will result in discipline.

3. Early Dismissals - Written requests for early dismissal should be submitted to the student's homeroom teacher first thing in the morning. A telephone number where the parent can be reached during school hours MUST accompany the request for early dismissal. If no telephone number is available, one parent must call the school to verify the request for dismissal. A written request does not mean that an early dismissal will automatically be granted. Generally the request will be honored as long as the student does not have an attendance problem and the excuse is a legitimate reason for dismissal. Students WILL NOT be given early dismissal for reasons which would constitute an unexcused absence.

EARLY DISMISSALS WILL BE LIMITED TO FOUR (4) EACH TRIMESTER.

The following information must be provided on an early dismissal request:
1) Student name
2) Grade level
3) Phone number where parent/guardian can be reached
4) Date and time requested for early dismissal
5) Parent signature

If at all possible, prior arrangements for early dismissal should be made at home. Please try to eliminate calls made to the office to have students ready and waiting for early dismissal unless it is an extreme emergency.

4. Vacations - Parents are asked to plan family trips and vacations to correspond with the school calendar. If this is impossible, absences of one or two days will be excused as other legal absences provided the requirements of a parental note or phone call is adhered to and the student has not accumulated ten (10) days of absences to date.

Students missing three or more days, OR MISSING ANY SCHOOL JUST PRIOR TO OR JUST AFTER A HOLIDAY BREAK, must submit a completed vacation form to the Principal/Assistant Principal for approval a minimum of one week before the scheduled vacation.

To complete this form, students must present the form to all of their teachers for a signature and current grade. Students are also responsible for securing any assignments and projects from their teachers and having them ready to be turned in upon their return to school. Previously assigned projects that fall due while a student is away should be submitted to the teacher prior to the student leaving for vacation.

Any homework, class performance or quiz not assigned before the student left for vacation should be made up within two (2) days of their return to school. (Students assume the sole responsibility for securing missed assignments from their teachers or fellow students.)

Students who have an attendance problem, have been truant from class or school, or are in danger of failing any class may have their vacation request for excused absences denied. The final decision will rest with the Principal/Assistant Principal.