Retention Due to Poor Attendance

In grades 6-8, students who are absent for more than 20 days (including all absences, excused and unexcused, except for suspensions) will be considered for retention.  The following steps wioll be taken:

1. Warning Notification: Students and their parents will receive a warning from the school after reaching 10 days of absence.

2. Exceeding 20 Days of Absence: If a student exceeds 20 days of absence, the building administrator or their designee will verify the student’s attendance record. The parent/guardian will receive written notification of potential retention.

3. Appeal Process

   • The student and their parent/guardian may appeal the retention decision by submitting an Attendance Appeal Request Form (available in the main office) to the school counselor within 10 school days of receiving the retention notification.

   • The Attendance Review Committee will evaluate each case individually. Depending on the circumstances, the committee may recommend retention in the same grade for the following year, summer school attendance, or place the student on probation if absences exceeded the allowable number due to extended or chronic illness.

   • The committee may require parents and/or students to meet with them before making a final decision.

4. Decision Notification:

   • The Attendance Review Committee will notify the parents in writing of its decision within 10 school days of the Attendance Appeals Committee meeting. The decision will also be communicated to the Superintendent and the Director of Pupil Personnel Services.

   • If a student is recommended for retention, they will be required to attend school for the remainder of the year.

5. Final Review in June:

   • The Attendance Review Committee will review each case in June. Upon reviewing the student’s attendance record and academic progress, the committee may reverse its decision for retention or establish criteria for promotion to the next grade, such as successful completion of a summer program at the parent’s expense.

   • If the committee does not reverse its decision, or if the student does not successfully complete the summer school program, the student will be retained. Parents/guardians will be informed of this final decision by June 30th.

6. Finality of Decision: The decision of the Attendance Review Committee is final. The principal will only review decisions if new information becomes available.