Attendance

At South Career and Technical Academy (South CTA), regular attendance is crucial for academic success and the development of essential career readiness skills. Students are expected to attend all classes on time, prepared to engage in learning. The policies outlined below ensure that students, parents, and staff are all aware of the importance of attendance and the consequences of absences or tardiness.

Importance of Attendance

Consistent attendance is a key factor in a student’s academic achievement and career readiness. Missing class can negatively impact a student’s ability to participate in discussions, complete assignments, and master key concepts. At South CTA, we expect students to maintain regular attendance to maximize their educational opportunities.

Maximum Absences

South CTA follows the Clark County School District (CCSD) guidelines regarding maximum absences:

• Seven absences per semester: Students may not exceed seven unexcused absences in any class per semester. Exceeding this limit may result in loss of credit for the affected course(s).

• Documentation: All absences must be reported within three days of a student’s return to school, and proper documentation (e.g., medical notes, parent letters) must be submitted to the Attendance Office via the form on the school website.

Reporting Absences

Parents/guardians are required to notify the school of their child’s absence through the form on the school website. Should you have any questions, contact the attendance office via the following:

• South CTA Student Absence Excuse Note

• Email: Send an email to the school’s designated attendance email address with the student’s name, grade, and reason for the absence.

Excused Absences

Absences may be excused for the following reasons, as per CCSD guidelines:

• Illness or medical appointment

• Family emergency

• Religious observance

• Court appearances

• Pre-arranged educational opportunities (with approval from school administration)

All other absences will be considered unexcused unless appropriate documentation is provided.

Truancy

Unexcused absences without parental knowledge or permission will be considered truancy. In cases of truancy:

• First offense: A written warning will be issued to the student and a parent/guardian will be notified.

• Repeated offenses: Additional consequences may include detention, required parent conferences, or other disciplinary measures in accordance with CCSD policy.

Make-Up Work for Absences

Students are responsible for completing all missed work during absences:

• Excused Absences: Students will be given three school days to complete missed assignments for each day of absence. It is the student’s responsibility to arrange with teachers to obtain missed work.

• Unexcused Absences: Students may still be permitted to make up missed work, but penalties may apply depending on teacher discretion and school policy.

• Long-Term Absences: In cases of extended illness or pre-arranged absences (three or more days), parents should notify the Attendance Office in advance, and teachers will provide work in advance when possible.

Attendance and Participation in Extracurricular Activities

Students must be present for the full school day in order to participate in any extracurricular activities (e.g., sports, clubs, or school events) scheduled for that day. Exceptions may be made for excused absences with prior administrative approval.

Attendance Interventions

If a student approaches or exceeds the maximum number of absences:

• Parent Notification: Parents will be notified when their child reaches five absences in any class.

• Attendance Contracts: Students who exceed seven unexcused absences may be placed on an attendance contract, outlining the steps required to recover credit or improve attendance.

Early Sign-Out

Students may not leave campus during the school day without prior permission from a parent/guardian and approval from the school. Parents/guardians must provide valid ID when signing students out early through the Attendance Office.