Attendance
Student Absences
It is the responsibility of the parent/guardian to call the school before 9:00 am if their child will be absent that day, and send with their child a follow-up note when the child returns to school. If the child is absent and the parent/guardian has not called the school, a staff member of the school will make a reasonable attempt to contact the parent/guardian by phone. An absence without reason is considered truant.
If it is known that a child will be absent for an extended period of time, the parent/guardian should state this information at the time of their 1st call. The parent need not call again if the child is absent during the reported amount of time. If, however, the time is extended, the parent MUST notify the school.
ALL students MUST present a written excuse after any absence. The written excuse should state the student's name, date of absence(s) and reason for the absence. If a child is absent due to illness more than three (3) days in a row, a physician's note stating the illness, the recommendation to stay home and the date the student is allowed to return to school, should be submitted when the child returns to school. Failure to follow these procedures could result in your child being sent home, which could incur an additional absence.
Students who are absent six (6) or more days per quarter, eleven (11) or more days per semester and twenty (20) or more days per school year, are considered excessively absent. Continued absences may result in the student being retained in that grade. A parent conference will be required after six (6) or more absences in the quarter.
Excused absences are recorded for students who miss school because of the following reasons: (Parents are asked to send a note to school with their child to confirm nature of absence)
Personal illness or quarantine
Bereavement
Serious family illness or emergency
Observance of a major religious holiday
Other exceptional reasons approved by the Principal
Full credit will be given for work assigned by the teacher and completed by the student within a reasonable amount of time after returning to school. If the absence is for any other reason than those listed above, it is considered an unexcused absence and teachers are not required to provide special assistance and homework is still required to be completed.
Tardiness
Tardiness is disruptive to the educational process and is inconsiderate to both teachers and other students, therefore, it is imperative that students are punctual. A student is considered tardy when he/she arrives to class after 7:50 am. The following information will be applicable to all students:
3 Tardy Arrivals Within 1 Calendar Month - 1) Warning letter sent home to the parent/guardian, 2) Student is sent to the Disciplinarian
4 Tardy Arrivals Within 1 Calendar Month - 1) Parent conference with Disciplinarian
5 Tardy Arrivals Within 1 Calendar Month - 1) Suspension for 1 day
Continuous Infractions of This Policy May Result In Expulsion
Early Dismissal
No child is allowed to leave the building or playground during school time unless a parent, guardian or an adult accompanies him from the school. All-day attendance is important for every student, every school day. If it is known in advance that an early dismissal is absolutely necessary, parents must send a written note to the classroom teacher. Children who leave early must be picked up in the school office. There will be no early dismissal after 2:15 pm. Once students are dismissed they may not re-enter the building. Early dismissal will be allowed only in rare circumstances.
Dismissal for Vacation
Children are discouraged from taking vacations or trips during the school year. However, if family trips are unavoidable, the school should be notified several days in advance if at all possible.
Policy Enforcement
Consistent attendance and on-time arrival at school is an important part of any student's education. Because of its importance, the School Principal has the authority to enforce the policy through a variety of methods. The School Principal may at his/her discretion enforce other penalties to ensure compliance with the attendance and tardy policies and state laws.