A student in grades six (6) through eight (8) is required to be in attendance 162 days per year in the 180 day school year. If a student accrues more than nineteen (19) absences within a school year, the student will be referred to a team of staff members at the school to determine whether the student shall be promoted or retained. Students who have ten (10) or more total absences during a semester will be required to pass the semester exam in order to pass the class for that semester.
Family vacations that interfere with student instruction are discouraged. Excusals of these prearranged absences will be based upon the individual student’s current year’s attendance pattern and academic performance. Absences for students who have already missed 5 days (excused or unexcused) are subject to be unexcused.
If your child is absent:
Any student who has been absent from school shall bring a note from one of his/her parents or guardians stating the reason for the absence.
Excused Absences An excused absence can be granted for personal illness, illness or death of a member of the immediate family, medical or dental appointments, religious holidays, court dates, special emergencies, and pre-arranged absences approved by the principal or designee. If a student desires to be absent for reasons not listed, he/she may make a prior request to the principal by bringing a written request from his/her parent or guardian. Pre-arranged absence requests must be made at least five (5) days prior to the absence, except in the case of an emergency. Pre-arrangements for schoolwork can be made, however assignments are due the day a student returns to school. When a student is absent repeatedly or for a prolonged period due to an illness or injury, the principal or designee may require documentation from a physician or health care provider. If requested documentation is not provided, an absence(s) will be unexcused. Unexcused Absences Absences for shopping trips, vacations, pleasure trips, truancy, suspension or dismissal from school, or other avoidable absences which have not been pre-arranged and approved by the principal or designee will be considered unexcused. Failure to properly notify the school or the inability of the school to reach the parent to establish the reason for the absence within three (3) days shall result in an unexcused absence. Perfect Attendance For a student to earn perfect attendance, the student must be present every class period for roll call. When moving from elementary to middle and high school, attendance changes from daily attendance to class attendance. Each teacher records absences each class period, therefore, if a student misses a class he/she will be counted absent for that class. Excessive Absences Students with excessive absences may not be allowed to participate in field trips away from school, especially when make-up work needs to be completed. Pre-arranged absences may be denied due to excessive absences. STUDENTS ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR APPROACHING TEACHERS TO RECEIVE MAKE-UP WORK.