Attendance & Punctuality Policy

Attendance Policy

School begins at 7:50 AM and ends at 2:50 PM. Students must be in their homerooms before 7:50 AM. Latecomers will be marked tardy. Compliance with the attendance policy is the responsibility of both students and parents/guardians. Full credit for coursework is contingent on satisfactory attendance and performance. Students must attend all mandatory school activities, including field trips, assemblies, and school-wide events. Late arrivals must obtain a late slip from the Main Office to enter their class.

Disciplinary consequences for unexcused absences and tardies are outlined as follows:

Absences accumulate and do not reset at the beginning of each month.

Accommodation Requirements

NIS emphasizes the importance of accurate information regarding a student's living situation. It is crucial to notify the school about any changes in guardianship or living arrangements throughout the year. For safety, NIS discourages students from living alone without adult supervision.

• Provide accurate information about the guardian.

• Notify the school of any changes in guardianship.

• Consider supervised housing options if necessary.

• Be aware that the school may request residency information and can refuse students without proper supervision.

• False information about guardianship can lead to administrative hearings and possible removal from NIS.

Leave Requests

Daily attendance is critical for academic success. Family holidays should be planned outside school sessions. For short-term absences (1-3 days), notify the Main Office two days in advance. Long-term absences (four days or more) require a Long-term Absence Request Form (B4) submitted five days in advance. Absences not pre-approved will be recorded as unexcused. This form can be obtained from the main office.

Leave requests are not allowed during:

• The first two weeks of term.

• Two weeks before the end of each reporting period due to exams.

• The week before or after a scheduled school holiday.

• During standardized testing periods.

Unexcused absences during these times will affect grades, and no work will be sent home during extended absences. Notify NIS immediately for any absences or tardiness.

Student Responsibilities

• Must ensure that NIS is notified of all excused absences as a result of illness, bereavement, unavoidable medical appointments, or approved community service obligations. 

• Must request and complete missing assignments within three days of returning. 

Teacher Responsibilities

• Ensure that all excused absences are allowed to makeup work

• Makeup work for unexcused absences will be at the teachers discretion

• Teachers must notify the Principal is a student is absent for 2 consecutive days without notification from the parents or main office

Excused Absences

Excused absences cover medical appointments, family illness, death of a relative, out-of-school suspensions, family emergencies, and other situations as approved by the principal. Documentation may be required.

Unexcused School Absences and Tardiness

Any absence not categorized as excused is unexcused. Unexcused absences without proper documentation will remain unexcused.

Excessive Unexcused Absences

Excessive unexcused absences can lead to denial of academic credits and prompt communication with parents/guardians.

Tardy Policy

Students arriving more than 10 minutes late will be marked as unexcused absent. Tardies accumulate each quarter, with three tardies equaling one absence. Managing time and prioritizing attendance is crucial.

Off-Campus

NIS is a closed campus. Leaving during school hours requires parental notification two days in advance and an "Off Campus Slip" signed by an administrator. Unapproved departures result in unexcused absences and disciplinary actions​​.