ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

Call 973-2701 to excuse absences.

ATTENDANCE POLICY

As of July 1, 1997, mandatory attendance is required of all students under the age of 18.

In compliance with state statutes and because research confirms the positive impact of attendance on academic success, the Southeast High School Attendance Policy is designed to encourage regular attendance while holding students accountable for their own learning.

1. Students are expected to attend each class regularly and to arrive on time.

2. Attendance records will be maintained in the attendance office for state and truancy accounting purposes.

3. Parents are responsible to provide notice/documentation to excuse an absence within 72 hours based upon the following guidelines:

*special circumstances - when requested in advance and /or approved by administration (ex.: funeral, college visits, family emergency)

*oversleeping, errands, child care are not generally viewed as legitimate excuses for missing school.

4. In the classroom, all absences will be treated in the same manner; there will be no distinction between excused and unexcused absences. All work designated by the teacher must be made up in order to earn credit in a course.

5. It is the responsibility of the student to obtain and complete make-up assignments. Teachers will make reasonable efforts to encourage and assist the pupil to make up missed assignments.

When a student is absent, he/she will have one class period per class absence to complete the assignment. Work due on the day of the absence is due upon the first day back.

Any work not submitted in the time allowed becomes "late work" and is subject to department/instructor guidelines published in each course syllabus.

6. Students who have been absent 3 or fewer periods during a semester and had no tardy referrals or have earned an "A" will be exempted from the final culminating activity or final class period as identified in advance by each instructor.

7. Students who have been absent from a class more than 5 periods and who have a grade of 50% or lower may be withdrawn from that class with subsequent loss of credit.

8. Parents will be notified by classroom teachers upon the 3rd absence, the 5th absence, and whenever a students meets the criteria for removal and loss of credit.

9. A student arriving up to 10 minutes late will be considered tardy but may be considered tardy or absent after that time.

10. Students who arrive at school after 8:00 should present written excuse/verification to the attendance office. If no excuse/verification is available, report directly to class.

11. Teachers will incorporate participation points as a part of a course grade. Participation points cannot be made up; a student must be present to earn them. Participation points will comprise up to 20 percent of a student's final grade. Participation expectations will be stated in the course syllabus.

12. For absences other than illness or emergencies, students should carry a Request to Be Absent form to all classes and return it to the office prior to the absence. If an absence is known in advance, every effort should be made to complete the work before the absence occurs.

13. Students who need to check out of school during the school day for reasons such as medical or dental appointments must bring a request from their parents and present it to the attendance clerk before 8:00 on the day of the appointment. A permit to leave the building will be issued to the student stating the reason and the time of departure. Medical office verification should be provided upon return in order to excuse the absence.

14. A student who plans to transfer or withdraw from school must report to the appropriate administrator. A withdrawal form must be completed before transcripts of official grades will be issued.

15. Walkouts, boycotts, or unauthorized holidays are against Board of Education policy. Students who participate in such actions will be suspended from school.