EHS Student Handbook 2021 | Page 69

Additional Information (Grades 9-12) Since the classroom is the primary area where most learners experience the acquisition of knowledge, it becomes apparent that attendance in class is a valid, reasonable requirement. It is the position of the Board of Education that mandatory attendance by students is required. The following attendance procedures have been developed to encourage students and parent(s)/guardian(s) to minimize absences in order to gain the maximum benefits from daily classroom activities. Students who fail to meet their responsibilities may lose course credit. I. Attendance to School 1. While the above stated reasons for absences are classified as excused, they will count toward the total number of absences when determining course credit. Suspensions from school do not count towards the total number of absences for loss of credit. 2. Students who are participating in school sponsored activities will be considered present for attendance purposes. 3. Students who exceed ten (10) absences in semester courses, and twenty (20) absences in yearlong courses, will lose full course credit. 4. At the time of notification, the student will be required to date and sign the warning/loss of credit sheet, indicating the impact of the student’s attendance on his/her credits. Notification may be sent home unsigned if the student’s absenteeism prevents the student from signing the notification in a timely manner. Students who lose credit as a result of this policy, will be given an opportunity to appear before an Appeals Committee. The intent of this policy is not to say that a certain number of absences from school or a course are acceptable or allowable. A. Unexcused Absences A student’s absence from school shall be considered unexcused unless they meet one of the following criteria: 1. The absence meets the definition for an excused absence (including documentation requirements); 2. The absence meets the definition of a disciplinary absence; 3. Students who stay out of school for an entire school day without parental or school consent are considered truant. 4. After each truancy, the student will receive a written notification of possible loss of course credit in accordance with the following procedures: a. Upon the student’s first truancy from school or from an individual class, the student shall be issued a written warning that an additional truancy from school or from the specified class, will result in a loss of ¼ credit in any classes from which the student was truant. The student shall be required to sign this notification. Notification may be sent home unsigned if the student’s absenteeism prevents the student from signing the notification in a timely manner. The student 69