The Thurmont Middle School staff expect students to attend school every day. Absences mean that a student misses skills and concepts essential to academic success. Attendance is one of the largest factors of student achievement and future graduation. Excellent attendance cannot be achieved without family support.
Remember, if a student:
Is absent from school, on the day of return, a student needs to bring a note from their parent/guardian and give it to the first-period teacher. Parents or guardians may send an electronic note to TMS.ATTENDANCE@FCPS.ORG.
Does not bring a note within two days, the absence will be coded unexcused.
Is absent excessively (10 days per year), the school may require a doctor’s note.
Has more than 5 unexcused absences for any term, that student may fail ALL classes for that term.
Must leave school before the end of the day, a written request from the parent or guardian for permission to do so must be submitted to the attendance secretary in the front office on the day for which the early dismissal occurs. Students and guardians will check out at the Front Office before leaving school. Upon returning to school, the student will check into the Front Office with written documentation for the absence if not provided when leaving school early. .
Is taking a family trip during school days, the parent/guardian is expected to contact the school principal and teachers prior to the trip; however, students are excused no more than a total of 5 days for the year.
Is absent from school, including arriving late to school, students may not be allowed to participate as a spectator or as a performer in a school function on that day.
Chooses to not participate in school field trips or other school sponsored activity during the regular school day, students are required to attend school and participate in the alternate program/activity that is provided.
The Maryland State Board of Education sets attendance regulations. The student and parent/guardian should read the complete attendance and absence policy in the Frederick County Public Schools Calendar Handbook. No amount of make-up work can replace the quality of learning achieved in the classroom from direct instruction and interactions with the teacher and classmates.
Arriving Late or Leaving Early
The school day begins at 7:25 AM first period and ends at 2:20 PM. Remember, if you:
Arrive at or after 7:25 AM, you must sign in with the office and present a note. If you have an unexcused tardy to school three times, a lunch detention to be served the third day of the late arrival. This will reoccur for each third unexcused tardy. For continual unexcused lates, administration may meet with you, make contact with your family and/or provide after school detentions.
TMS Tardy Protocol School & Class
3 Lates - 30 minute Lunch Detention
6 Lates - 30 minute Lunch Detention
9 Lates - 30 minute After School Detention
12 Lates - 60 minute After School Detention
Resets at Term
Please understand that frequent late arrivals or early departures and/or if a student has more than 5 unexcused absences in any one class, this may cause a failing grade in that class for the term.