SUITLAND HIGH SCHOOL
According to Maryland law (7-301:Compulsory Attendance), every child between ages 5 and 17 must atten school.
A commitment to school attendance, on the part of both students and parents/guardians, is an essential component of a high-quality learning experience. Parents/guardians and school personnel are expected to do everything possible to ensure each student’s regular attendance. Students should attend all scheduled classes and approved educational activities and are responsible for completing all assigned work on time. Students should be enrolled in a full-day program or spend a comparable period of time in an alternative education program or activity approved by the student’s parent/ guardian and principal.
ABSENCE
Report the absence in writing- If a student is absent for all or part of a school day, a parent or guardian must report the absence in writing if it is to be excused (it might not be excused, depending on the reason given). It is not necessary to call. The absence note or email must be sent by a parent or guardian to the attendance secretary within three school days after the student returns to school. Otherwise, the absence will be considered unexcused. The absence note should include:
Student Name
ID Number
Grade
Correct Dates of Absence and/or period(s)
Specific Reason for Absence (‘family emergency’ is too vague)
Parent/Guardian daytime telephone number
Parent/Guardian signature
A doctor’s note for absences greater than three days
Have your student make up missed work- Students should communicate with their teachers to obtain missed assignment instructions.
EARLY DEPARTURE
Send a note or email to the attendance secretary in advance for all planned early dismissals (e.g. a dentist appointment). Be sure to include:
Student Name
ID Number
Grade
Date & time of dismissal, and if the student will be returning to school that same day
Whether the student is driving or will be picked up
Specific Reason for leaving (‘family emergency’ is too vague)
Parent/Guardian daytime telephone number
Parent/Guardian signature