Student Attendance Policy

Absence Rule

A student missing 11 days or more in a class semester class for any reason (excused or unexcused) other than a principal-approved absence will receive a grade of “F” for the course based on CMS Regulation JHBB-R.

When a student is absent from school, he/she should bring a note from his/her parent, guardian, or health care professional within forty-eight (48) hours in the Attendance Office. The note should include the student’s legal name, CMS student ID number, and the reason for the absence, and the date(s) absent from school. The Attendance Office will determine whether the absence can be excused per CMS board policy. Absences are excused (with verification) for student illness, medical appointments, death in the immediate family, court proceedings, or quarantine. Absences may also be excused (at the principal’s discretion) for an educational opportunity, which must be submitted in advance for approval on Form 5123.2 (available in the Attendance Office). Students returning to school without a note will be considered unexcused.

All other non-school initiated absences are unexcused (i.e. bad weather, missing the bus, car trouble, going to DMV, lack of heat, water, or electricity, shopping, babysitting, oversleeping, lack of clothing, etc.). All absences are coded as unexcused until a note as described above has been received in the Attendance Office.

It is not necessary for parents to call the school if a student will be absent.

Tardy/Absent

A student will be considered absent from a class if they are tardy 45 minutes or more from that class period.

Attendance Recovery

A student missing 11 days or more must participate in Recovery. Students may recover absences by class during after-school tutorials, Saturday Academy, Extended Day, or with an individual teacher during non-school hours. Students will need to recover time by course under the supervision of a licensed staff member. Students will need to recover excess absences “hour-for-hour” in order to officially recover each class absence.

Failure to do recovery will result in the student receiving a grade of “F” for the course.

Attendance Appeals

Students with excessive absences who have a passing grade in a class may submit a written appeal to the school’s Attendance Appeal Committee. The Attendance Appeal Committee will evaluate the student’s appeal based on grades, participation in the Recovery Program and teacher recommendation (Please see attendance recovery policy for more details).