In order to receive credit for a course, a student must attend at least 85 days (for a 90-day semester course) or 170 days (for a 180-day course) in order to receive credit.

Any student who misses school must present a written excuse, signed by their parent/legal guardian.  The excuse will contain such other information as directed by the administration.  The school administration will keep all excuses confidential.

After three consecutive absences or a total of three absences (one absence for semester course), the following will occur:

§          The parent/legal guardian will be notified of the absences by the attendance secretary.

§          The attendance secretary will conduct a phone conference to discuss the attendance policy and to determine attendance requirements for the remainder of the school year.

After a total of five absences (three absences for semester course), the following will occur:

§          The parent/legal guardian will be notified of the absences and a copy of the attendance letter and record will be mailed to the parent/legal guardian.

§          A conference will be scheduled with the parent/legal guardian, student and the counselor to place the student on an attendance improvement plan.

After a total of seven absences (four absences for semester course), the following will occur:

§          A school official will make parent contact to review the attendance improvement plan with the parent/legal guardian and student.

§          The parent/legal guardian will be notified that further absences may warrant the filing of a truancy petition in family court.

If a student fails to bring a valid excuse to school, he/she will automatically receive an unexcused absence.  If a student brings a false (or forged) excuse, his/her teacher must refer him/her to the school administration for appropriate action.

Students will be considered lawfully absent when the following occurs.

§          Medical with doctor’s excuse

§          There is a death or serious illness in their immediate family

§          There is a recognized religious holiday of their faith

§          The principal approves certain conditions as emergency conditions

§          The student is selected for an honor or award in which he/she represents the school and the representation is approved by the principal

§          Field trip

§          Attending competitive events that are approved by the principal

§          With prior approval from the principal, the student attends a non-school related event at the request of the parent/legal guardian.  The student’s work must be satisfactory, and he/she must not have exceeded the maximum limit of absences as required by state law.

§          Doctor/dental appointment with an excuse

§          Legal guidance or educational (prior approval)

§          In-school suspension

§          Out-of-school suspension

§          Approved homebound

When absences are lawful, the school will give an opportunity for the student to make up the work within 3 school days after their return to school.

A student will be considered unlawfully absent when the following occurs:

§          They are willfully absent from school without the knowledge of their parent/legal guardian

§          They are absent without acceptable cause with the knowledge of their parent/legal guardian

§          Truancy

The principal will use his/her discretion when acting upon an unlawful absence.