Absences
Lawful absences: The State of Maryland regards the following as lawful absences from school:
Work approved or sponsored by the school, MCPS, or MSDE
Death in the immediate family
Student illness and well-being concerns (The principal may require a physician’s certificate from the parent/guardian in cases of chronic or extended absences for an illness.)
Pregnancy and parenting-related conditions (including absences due to an illness or medical appointment of the student’s child and absences due to a legal appointment related to family law proceedings, including adoption, custody, and visitation). These rights extend to students who are mothers and fathers.
Court summons • Hazardous weather conditions (weather conditions that would endanger a student on the way to or from school)
Doctor/Medical appointments
Observance of a religious holiday
State emergency • Suspension
Lack of authorized transportation (for example, if the school bus does not show up)
Permission from the principal
Truancy: A student who is absent from school without lawful cause is considered truant.
Vacations: Absences for vacations or family trips are not excused.
***MCPS Website***
Notes Excusing Absences
A note from a parent/guardian or physician/ dentist citing a lawful reason for absence is required to excuse any absence within three days following the absence. PHONE CALLS MAY NOT SUBSTITUTE FOR THE WRITTEN ABSENCE NOTE. A physician’s note is required for any absence of five or more days due to absence.
Absence Notes Requesting Excusal must include:
Student’s full legal name (printed)
Student’s ID number
Grade
Date(s) of absence
Reason for absence
Parent/ guardian work, home and cell numbers
Parent/ guardian’s signature
ConnectEd
The ConnectEd automated phone system calls each evening to a student’s phone number of record if that student has been absent in one or more classes. During an absence from school, students are expected to check their myMCPS Classroom to keep up with class work. Upon return from the absences, students are responsible for seeing each teacher during lunch and make up class work that has occurred during the absence. Students and Parents/Caregivers can request an updated report from the Attendance Office.
Special Exceptions
The principal may excuse certain absences for school or work-related activities, provided a parent/guardian submits a written request at least two days prior to the absence. Included are:
Participation in activities sponsored or approved by MCPS, county, or state agencies
Visits to college campuses and participation in college orientation programs (3 days per year)
Scheduled interviews with prospective employees
Work hours in cooperative education programs
Short-term, full-time work assignments
For more information, contact the Attendance Office at 240-740-3601.
Returning to School
It is an important responsibility of each student returning to school after an absence to
Submit a legitimate note to the attendance office within three days of returning to school.
Schedule an appointment with each teacher at lunch to arrange to make up quizzes or tests, to submit makeup work and to regain the academic ground lost during the absence. School Counselors are available to assist students in managing make up work.
Early Departure Procedures
Students will be excused for early departure only by presenting a note to the Attendance Office before 7:45 a.m. that morning. For security purposes, no student will be excused without a parent/guardian’s legal note. The Attendance Office will call home to verify the note. Telephone calls in lieu of notes requesting early departures will NOT be honored. At the time of the departure, students must sign out at the Attendance Office. Upon returning on the same school day, students must sign in and have their note stamped. Students are responsible for making up all class work and assignments missed as a result of early departures. At the time of departure, students must sign out at the Attendance Office and be met by a parent/guardian in the Main Office.
Dismissal from Health Room
Students who are ill during the school day must ask for a health room pass from their teacher and go to the Health Room. Under no circumstances should a student call/text a parent/guardian directly and leave the building without notifying the school and signing out of the building. When the nurse or health care technician contacts the parent/guardian and arrangements are made for the parent or guardian to pick up the student from school, the parent/caregiver must sign in to the Main Office. School staff will assist the parent/caregiver to the Health Room to speak with Health Room staff and pick up the student. Before leaving the school building, the parent/caregiver must sign the student out at the attendance desk in the Main Office. Subsequent additional days of absence will be excused only with a note from the student’s parent/legal guardian or a physician.
Truancy & Cutting Class
Truancy is an illegal absence from school; cutting class is truancy and has a serious impact on a student’s performance in school. With staff cooperation, the Attendance Office carefully tracks each student’s attendance and verifies the legality and legitimacy of excuses for absences, late entries, and early departures.
Compliance with attendance and tardy procedures is required by the Maryland State Department of Education and Montgomery County Public Schools. Quince Orchard High School practices are in compliance with these policies. All students are responsible to attend each of their assigned classes daily and on time. Attendance is the one constant that makes a difference in academic success.