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
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