ATTENDANCE POLICY

The District Administration recognizes school attendance as one of the most important responsibilities of the students, parents/guardian/custodian and staff.  Students who attend school regularly have fewer discipline problems and a better opportunity to achieve.  Additionally, school attendance affects the District's receipt of state funding and the teachers' ability to effectively control make-up work.

Students who maintain perfect attendance during the school year will be recognized and rewarded.  Students who do not comply with the attendance policy will be subject to disciplinary action.

1.  General Attendance Requirements (6-8)

A student must meet minimum attendance standards as established by the District and MS law:

• Students may not incur more than 16 unexcused absences for a one (1) unit course or academic class during a school year/

• Students may not incur more than 8 unexcused absences for a 1/2 unit course or semester.

• An absence is excused only if it results from:

  • Attendance at an authorized school activity with the prior approval of the principal

  • Illness or injury which prevents the child from being physically able to attend

  • Isolation of the student is ordered by the County Health Officer or the State Board of Health (i.e. communicable diseases)

  • Death or serious illness of an immediate family member, which would include child, spouse, grandparent, parent, sibling/step-sibling

  • Medical or dental appointment where approval is gained prior to absence, except in case of emergency

  • Attendance at court or administrative proceedings if the student is a party or under subpoena as a witness

  • Attendance at the observance is of such duration as to interfere with the education of the child

  • Out of town travel to take advantage of a valid educational opportunity provided the approval for the absence is gained from the superintendent or his designee prior to the absence

  • Demonstrated conditions sufficient to warrant nonattendance, at the discretion of the principal or his/her designee

 

Absences from school may be excused for any of the above reasons provided the parent or legal guardian provides the school with a written note or Doctor's excuse within (5) school days of the absence.  This not should contain:

• Student's name (printed)

• Date of the absence

• Parent/Guardian's name

• Reason for absence

• Parent/Guardian's signature

If a note is not received within five (5) school days of the absence the absence will be considered unexcused.

* Upon reaching five (5) unexcused absences the student will be immediately referred to the school attendance officer.  Parents will be notified after the 7th unexcused absence.

** No students will be allowed to check out after 3:00!!!