Attendance Guidelines

Absences other than for an illness, dentist or doctor’s visit, or a death in the family are called special absences.  When your student must request a special absence from school, he/she should pick up a Pre-Arranged Absence Form from the Attendance Clerk. The form allows Administration to consider the reason for the request and determine the approval/disapproval status. It then serves to notify the teachers and provides an opportunity for arranging for makeup work if allowed.

Parents requesting that their students be approved for an upcoming trip, special function, etc., must submit a note to the Attendance Clerk at least three (3) days BEFORE the absence is to begin.  The student will then be given a “Pre-Arranged Absence” form.  The student will circulate the form to all of his/her teachers.  The completed form MUST be returned to the Attendance Clerk and have principal’s approval prior to the absence. Principal approval is given based on grades and compliance with the 90% attendance requirement mandated by the State. Parents of students with low grades and/or excessive absences may be contacted by school officials to discuss the necessity for the special absence and to explore ways to improve student performance/attendance.

Students being absent from school due to a Pre-Arranged Absence at the end of a semester (semester/final exam week) will be required to take make-up exams/ assessments.  Any missed exams/assessments must be taken within two weeks from the final day of the semester in which the exam is missed or a grade of zero (0) will be given for the missed exams/assessments. Students that leave school due to a Pre-Arranged Absence during the final week of school could become ineligible for promotion based on missed exams or be required to attend summer school. It is important that all students be in attendance through the final day of classes.