Academy Attendance Policy

Punctuality

To maintain the integrity of the learning environment, students are expected to arrive at school and for all classes on time. Students are tardy when they enter the classroom after the scheduled time for class to begin. Four tardies in one class period account for one full absence for that same class. This absence then counts toward the 10% limit of absences that a student may acquire at ACS. In the case of four tardies equaling one absence, the tardies are not removed from the record. Students who accumulate excessive tardies will be meeting with the V.P. throughout the year who will provide the respective guidance. Juniors and seniors with excessive tardies will be closely monitored during their flex blocks by the learning commons personnel, the V.P. and may be scheduled into a supervised classroom mentor-ship for support.

Parents will be notified electronically when students have an excessive number of tardies.

Attendance

At ACS Athens, daily attendance is deemed to be an extremely important component in the academic success of the students. It is well understood and documented that there is a direct correlation between regular school attendance and academic achievement. Despite the best efforts and intentions of all, make-up of missed work does not duplicate the actual classroom experience; thus, achievement may suffer.

Students might miss classes for:

1. Medical reasons

2. Personal reasons

3. Unexcused absences

4. School related co-curricular and extending learning activities

Generally, students may not receive credit for any class from which they are excessively absent, for reasons 1, 2 and 3 above. "Excessively absent" is defined as being absent for more than 10% of the instructional days in a given academic school year.

Students who exceed the 10% limit (approximately 8 classes per semester/16 per year) are allowed to request an Attendance Waiver available through the Principal's Office before the end of the semester/academic year. The Academy Child Study Team (CST) will review such requests with substantiated documentation from the student/parent regarding the absences, the make-up work completed, and other relevant information for the committee. The CST will take into consideration the number of requests from each student over the span of their high school record when considering granting waivers or seat

Parents are kindly requested to notify the Vice Principal by 9:30 a.m. if a student is not coming to school. Students must have a note from home with a valid reason in order to receive an excused absence. Telephone verification, along with an email is also accepted. For absences of three or more days , a doctor’s note is required. Parents and students are expected to turn in an excuse for their absence(s) the day they return to school. Parents are asked to plan outside activities (dental appointments, trips, etc.) around the school schedule and calendar.

Categories of absences for non-school related issues

• Medical: Parents should phone the school each morning a student is absent for medical reasons (illness, medical appointments, etc...). The school reserves the right to require the parent to provide a statement from an appropriate medical authority verifying the requirement for the student’s absence. Parental failure to inform the school of a student absence or provide medical documentation when required, will result in the student being assessed an “unexcused” absence.

In the case of extended absences due to illness, the Office of Student Services and the Administration will carefully monitor student progress. After consultation with the parent(s), they will take such action as is necessary to support the best interests of the student and preserve the integrity of the educational process.

• Personal Reasons: Absences from school for unavoidable personal reasons are excused. Parents should phone the school each morning that a student will be absent or provide a written note in advance of absences if possible. Absences which fall into this category, for example, include those due to death in the family or family emergencies which require the presence of the student. When possible, parents should obtain a determination as to whether the absence will be excused before it occurs. The Academy Principal will make the final decision as to whether an absence in this category is “Excused” or “Unexcused”. Parental failure to provide a written explanation will result in the student being assessed an “Unexcused” absence.

• Unexcused Absences: Any absence not excused by the Administration will be assessed as “unexcused”. Unexcused absences from school or class periods may result in disciplinary action. Class work missed due to unexcused absences cannot be made up. Repeated unexcused absences may result in loss of credit, expulsion for misconduct, or denial of admission for the following semester or school year. Absences due to vacation extensions are counted as “unexcused”.

• Cutting Class: Cutting class (missing class without a valid excuse; or being more than 20 minutes late for class without a valid excuse) is considered a serious academic offense, showing little respect for the learning process. Students who cut class will receive a grade of zero for all work done/due on the day of the class or for the day’s class participation grade.

Excused for school-related reasons

Co-curricular and extended learning activities provide students with opportunities to build and expand on their individual interests and talents as well as develop interpersonal and teamwork skills. Students participate in these activities on the basis of individual choice and personal interest. These activities are usually scheduled after school hours and on weekends, but may require absence from class. No student may miss an excess of 10% of the instructional days (or class periods) in a given academic year. It is understood that non-routine absences such as external examinations, assemblies and approved class meetings, must be documented, and pre-approved by the Citizenship Office.

Additionally students who are on a Greek National team, either for athletic or academic events, may be required to miss class time; such absences do not count toward the 10% mentioned above. Parents must contact Student Affairs and the Citizenship Office prior in order to arrange support. Appropriate documentation must be presented to the Citizenship Office signed by the respective federation, clearly stating the absence dates.

Early Dismissal Request Policy

Early dismissal before 3:45 p.m., requires students to have a scheduled doctor’s appointment or a parental/guardian request approved by the Vice Principal. A doctor’s note needs to be submitted to the Vice Principal upon their return. If there is an emergency family situation parents need to contact the Vice Principal in advance to request an early dismissal pass. All students who leave school early must get a pass from the Vice Principal.