Attendance & School Procedures

When a student will be absent, a parent or legal guardian should contact the Attendance Office before the start of the school day. If the absence is expected to continue for several days, the school nurse should also be notified.

Provide the following information

• Student’s full name and grade
• Date or dates of the absence
• Reason for the absence
• Parent or guardian’s name and telephone number

Reporting an absence does not automatically classify it as excused. Supporting documentation may be required.

Written documentation must be submitted after an absence, including when a student is sent home by the school nurse. Submit the note on the day the student returns to school.

The documentation should include

• Student’s full name
• Date or dates of the absence
• Reason for the absence
• Parent or guardian’s signature
• Signature from the appropriate medical, dental, court, or legal authority when required

Students arriving after 9:10 a.m. are considered tardy and must check in before going to class.

1. Enter through the designated school entrance.
2. Report to the Attendance Office or Main Office.
3. Provide any required note or documentation.
4. Receive authorization or a late-arrival pass.
5. Report directly to class without unnecessary delay.

Two unexcused tardies equal one unexcused absence. Repeated tardiness may lead to parent notification, conferences, an attendance improvement plan, or other interventions.

Whenever possible, appointments and other obligations should be scheduled outside school hours. A written early-dismissal request must be submitted to the Main Office before 9:00 a.m. for verification.

The request should include

• Student’s full name and grade
• Requested dismissal time and reason
• Name of the person picking up the student
• Parent or guardian’s signature and telephone number

Signing a student out

The parent, guardian, or authorized adult must report to the designated office, present valid photo identification, complete the sign-out procedure, and wait for staff to release the student.

A student must attend school for at least four hours to be counted present for the school day. More than four sign-outs during the school year may be considered excessive.

Frequent absences interfere with academic progress and may prevent a student from completing course requirements successfully.

Students who accumulate 15 or more unexcused absences may face serious academic consequences, including attendance conferences, an attendance improvement plan, required family meetings, loss of course credit, and possible effects on promotion or graduation progress.

The school will notify families when a student is approaching or has reached an attendance threshold.

Students may complete assignments missed because of an excused absence or approved early release. The make-up period is generally equal to the number of days the student was absent.

• The make-up period may not exceed 10 school days without administrative permission.
• Work may not extend more than 10 school days beyond the end of a marking period without administrative approval.
• Students are responsible for communicating with teachers, obtaining missed assignments, and completing work within the permitted timeframe.

A parent or guardian may appeal a formal non-credit or attendance decision. A written petition must be submitted to the Attendance Officer within 10 school days after receiving the notification.

The appeal may be reviewed by the Attendance Officer, school counselor, student, parent or guardian, and Attendance Appeals Committee. Further review may be requested in accordance with school procedures.

Hall passes

Students leaving a classroom must have an active digital hall pass authorized by the teacher. A new pass is required each time a student leaves the classroom.

Changing classes

Students are allowed three minutes to move between classes. Students should walk, keep to the right, avoid congregating near doors, and enter the next class promptly.

Students with crutches, injuries, or mobility limitations may receive elevator access or early release from class when approved by the school nurse.

Families should monitor official school communications for school closings, delayed openings, early dismissals, emergency schedule changes, and remote-instruction procedures.

Official notices may be distributed through ParentSquare, the school website, email, text message, or automated telephone notification. Families should keep their contact information current in Genesis and ParentSquare.