Absences
Good attendance is of greatest importance for a student’s academic and occupational success. Responsibility for attendance lies with the student. Most classroom experiences cannot be duplicated on an individual basis; an absent student loses the experience of lecture, discussion and participation forever. Absence from school shall be classified as either excused or an unexcused absence/truancy.
Excused Absences
Research shows a student with 10% total absence (considered chronic absenteeism) or more has an adverse effect on success in school. To help keep you informed about your students absences, excused and/or unexcused, letters will be mailed home at 2, 5, and 10 days of absences. An absence is excused for personal illness or injury, serious family illness, quarantine, death in the family or absences which are due to extraordinary or unusual circumstances, after the parent/guardian provides notification of the dates and reasons for the missed days. Suspension from school is an excused absence. Court appearance, religious observance and school-related field trips are also excused absences. It shall be the responsibility of the parent and or/student to schedule medical, dental, or legal appointments during non-school hours whenever possible. However, if attending a medical appointment, bring verification from the medical provider. Excused absences shall not be permitted if deemed to cause a serious adverse effect upon the student’s education progress. (RCW 28A.225.010 (d) Certain education experiences that are unique and it may not be possible to replicate them. An alternative assignment of equal value may be provided by the teacher for an excused absence at the request of the student or parent/guardian. Excused absences shall require notification from the parent of guardian by phone or written note within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. To excuse an absence, guardians or parents can call the attendance line, email the attendance secretary, or send a note with their student. Please give the following information: Student’s full name, dates of absences, reason for absence, and parent/guardian signature (if a note). Excused late arrivals or tardies shall require notification from the parent or guardian by phone or written note the day of the late arrival or tardy.
Unexcused Absences
Students are expected to attend advisory, assemblies, and all scheduled classes or events each day. A student whose absence is not excused shall experience the school consequences of his/her unexcused absence, and teachers are not obligated to provide make-up work. A student is considered truant if he/she missed any part of a period, a whole period, or all or part of a school day without the school’s permission and without the parent’s prior knowledge.
Prearranged Absences
In some cases, certain experiences may provide students with valuable educational opportunities which the school cannot duplicate and should not be denied the student. In all such cases, prior arrangements with the school, a minimum of 24 hours in advance, are to be made for the length of the absence and the student is required to complete coursework for credit or grade. Parent/guardian must communicate with the school in order for the student to pick up a Prearranged Absence Form from the Attendance Secretary.
Becca Bill
After seven unexcused absences in one month or ten in one school year, we are required by the state to file a truancy petition with the Juvenile Court System. A pattern of truancy is considered a criminal offense by the courts and consequences can include time at Remann Hall, a fine of $25.00 for each absence, and/or required community service for both the parent and student.