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Attendance and Tardy Policy

One criterion of a student's success in school is regular and punctual attendance. Frequent absences may lead to poor academic work, lack of social development and possible academic failure. Regular attendance is of utmost importance for school interest, social adjustment and scholastic achievement.

No single factor may interfere with a student's progress more quickly than frequent tardiness or absence. According to state law, it is the obligation of every parent/guardian to ensure every student under their care and supervision receives adequate education and training and, if of compulsory attendance age, attends school. The following will be considered excused absences:

  • A student who is temporarily ill or injured or whose absence is approved by the administrator of the school of attendance on a prearranged basis. Prearranged absences will be approved for appointments or circumstances of a serious nature only which cannot be taken care of outside of school hours. The school may request medical verification for illness after four absences per semester.
  • A student who is absent for an extended period due to a physical disability, or mental or behavioral health disorder
  • A student who is pursuing a work study program under the supervision of the school.
  • A student who is attending any school-sponsored activity or activities of an educational nature with advance approval by the administration.
  • A student who is suspended or expelled.

It is the student's responsibility to contact the teacher for make-up work. Students and parents may call or email the teacher and/or check the Parent Portal/Teacher website for missed assignments. Students are allowed two days to make up work for each day of illness.

ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES

Please call the office attendance line (970-871-3698) no later than the day of an absence/tardy to excuse your student. Any advance notice of an upcoming absence or early release is appreciated. If your child has accumulated 10 absences, the school will request medical verification for that illness to be an
“excused absence.” A phone call, email or written note from the parent/guardian is necessary for the following attendance situations:

  • Illness
  • Absences other than illness – athletic events, travel, etc.
  • Extended Absence (2 or more days) – A student will receive a Pre-Arranged Notice to obtain missed work in advance.
  • Early Release –A student will receive a Permit to the Leave Building for appointments scheduled during the school day.
  • Tardies – A student will receive a Tardy Slip or an Admit Slip when arriving late or checking in after an appointment.

Attendance letters are sent when multiple excused and/or unexcused, class period absences and tardies are recorded. Please refer to the Administrative
Policy S-6 regarding excused absences.

“0” HOUR PRIVILEGE
“0” hour classes are a privilege and carry certain extra responsibilities. Classes are offered as an option for those students who want their school
day to end at 2:00pm each day. The classes begin promptly at 7:20a.m. If a student accumulates 5 or more unexcused absences and/or tardies
before the completion of the first semester, that student will be removed from their “0” hour class for second semester. If a student has accumulated 5 or more unexcused absences and/or tardies before the completion of the second semester, that student will not be permitted to register for “0” hour the following school year. Parents/guardians will be notified via a letter once the student has accumulated 5 or more absences and/or tardies outlining why their student(s) are no longer eligible for “0” hour during the second semester and/or next school year. “0” hour students must respect the learning atmosphere and leave campus immediately following the 3rd or 7th hour unless working directly with a teacher, studying in the library, waiting for the school bus or activity practice.

PRE-ARRANGED ABSENCES
If a student knows he/she will be absent for more than one day, a parent/guardian should call or write a note to the office for a “Pre-Arranged Notice.” This notice excuses the student from school and allows the student to obtain missed work in advance. It is recommended school assignments be requested a few days prior to the absence, but no more than a week in advance. Assignments are due upon the student's return to school unless otherwise indicated by the teacher.

TARDY
Students must be at school no later than 5 minutes prior to the start of their first class. Being over 30 minutes late to class may be considered an unexcused absence. Students are expected to be in the classroom before class passing period ends. Being in the hallways without a pass is an unexcused tardy. We know that at times we all may run late. Parents/Guardians are limited to excusing two morning tardies per semester, per course (first class of the
day). Each additional tardy may only be excused by an Administrator. Written notes from parents will not be accepted for any absence, or tardy. Due to forgery, only phone calls are accepted. Parents may notify the school of a student’s tardy by calling the attendance line at 970-871-3698. We strive to reconcile all tardies and absences each day.