Attendance Expectations

As provided for by Colorado Revised Statue 22-33-104 Compulsory School Attendance, an absence may be excused for one the following reasons:

• A student whose absence is approved by an authorized school administrator. Prearranged absences shall be approved for appointments or circumstances of a serious nature that cannot be taken care of outside school hours.

• A student who is temporarily ill or injured.

• A student who is absent for an extended period due to a physical, mental or emotional disability.

• A student who is pursuing a work-study program under the supervision of the school.

• A student who is attending any District-sponsored activity with advance approval of the school administration.

• A student who is excused by a parent/guardian for observance of a religious holiday.

• A student who is in the custody of a court or law enforcement authorities.

• A student whose absence is due to suspension or expulsion.

Below are examples of reasons that WILL NOT be accepted to excuse an absence because they do not satisfactorily explain or justify why a student was absent based on the reasons listed above:

• Studying for a test

• Oversleeping/alarm clock malfunction

• Skiing/snowboarding

• Family vacation (if not prearranged with an administrator)

• Studying in school library, cafeteria or commons area during a scheduled class

•  Visiting another high school

•  Train delays/car trouble

Additionally, students who are more than five minutes late will be counted unexcused absent (see tardy policy for additional details). Students who leave class without permission or are out of class for more than five minutes with permission for an extended time will also be counted unexcused absent. 

As a practice, attendance will be taken within the first five minutes of the start of the class period. Students who are not in class when attendance is taken will be marked UNEXCUSED ABSENT for the period until a legitimate reason is provided within 48 hours of the absence. Excessive unexcused absences can result in increasing levels of school interventions, to include referral to the district’s Truancy Prevention Program, and may negatively impact a student’s academic achievement.

As stated in the Poudre School District Student Rights and Code of Conduct, make-up work shall be provided by the teacher for any class in which a student has an absence. The amount of credit a student earns for make-up work is dependent upon what type of absence is reported in the student’s attendance record. It is the student’s responsibility to pick up permitted make-up assignments on the day he or she returns to class. There shall be at least one day allowed to make up work for each day of absence.

Excused Absences & Suspensions: The student is entitled to receive full credit for the completed make-up work.

Unexcused Absences: Make-up work shall be allowed with the goal of providing the student an opportunity to keep up with the class and an incentive to attend. Credit for make-up work shall be awarded as follows:

• Minimum of 50% for class work and homework assignments

• Minimum of 50% of grade earned on quizzes or unit assessments

• Teachers have the discretion to give more points, but not to award less.

A student will be allowed five (5) days per school year for family/non-school related events. For these absences to be excused, a student must:

1.) Pick up a Prearranged Absence Form.

2.) Make contact with all of his/her teachers to arrange for make-up work.

3.) Meet with an administrator at least two days prior to the absence.

4.) Return the Prearranged Absence Form before the absence begins to the FCHS attendance clerk for processing.

• Passing periods are six minutes - Music plays over the intercom to indicate there is one minute left to arrive to class on time

  • If a student arrives to their classroom before the bell rings, they will be marked present

  • If a student arrives to the class up to 10 minutes late without a pass they will be marked “tardy unexcused”

  • Students that arrive to their class between 11 and 45 minutes late without a pass they will be marked “extreme tardy.”

  • If a student arrives to class more than 45 minutes late without a pass, they will be marked “absent.”

This updated policy will help us to collect more accurate information regarding student attendance and to better support students. Because a student who is marked “extreme tardy or “absent” will trigger an automated phone call by the end of the day, we are encouraging families to check their phone number/contact information in ParentVue. As always, if you have questions about this policy, please contact FCHS and we will be happy to have those conversations with you.

Extended Departures Policy

Policy Statement:

At FCHS, we prioritize the academic success and safety of our students. Leaving class without authorization disrupts the learning environment, compromises student safety, and may result in disciplinary action.

Guidelines: 

• Authorization for Departure: Students are required to obtain prior authorization from their teacher before leaving class during instructional time. Hall passes will not be issued the first or final ten minutes of class.

• Procedures for Departure: Staff members should have an established routine for students to depart class. Lanyard passes are for bathroom/water breaks and can be used for students requiring a break per their 504/IEP. For nurse, counseling, LTC visits, etc., please use the goldenrod passes. Students should obtain the lanyard passes from their teacher, not hung by the door of the classroom. 

Attendance Records: 

• Tardy: Students arriving after the bell up to 10 minutes late will be considered tardy. Students who are tardy should report directly to class.

  • Tardy Excused: Students who arrive tardy (at any point) with an appropriate tardy pass are to be marked “excused tardy”

  • Tardy Unexcused: Students who arrive tardy (0-10 minutes) without a pass are to be marked “unexcused tardy”

• Extreme Tardy: Students arriving between 11 and 45 minutes late (without a pass) will be counted as extreme tardy. Robocalls happen with extreme tardies like with unexcused absences.

• Unauthorized Departure: Students should be marked “unexcused absent” if they leave the classroom without permission or if they exceed the prescribed time to be out of class  (7 minutes in most instances). Teachers leave a note in Synergy that indicates time out of  class.

• Emergency Situations: In case of an emergency requiring immediate departure from class (e.g., medical emergency), students should inform the teacher or school staff as soon as possible.

Unauthorized Departure Consequences:

• 1st instance - Conversation between teacher and student to reiterate expectations and note in Synergy

• 2nd instance - Conversation between teacher and student AND teacher should notify Parent/Guardian that the student has left class without authorization on two occasions and note in Synergy

• 3rd instance - refer student to Deans via email 

• Subsequent infraction(s) will result in Code of Conduct disciplinary action.  

Review and Revision:

This policy will be reviewed periodically to ensure its effectiveness and compliance with relevant laws and regulations. Any necessary revisions will be made to address changing circumstances or requirements.