Attendance Policy
Absences
Parents are responsible for reporting any absence. Please call the school office before 8:00 am and provide the student’s name and grade level. Your call will be recorded on the answering machine (24 hours a day) or handled directly by office personnel. Regular attendance and punctuality are important for students to get the best education possible. This policy encourages good attendance and discourages delay, aiming to maximize every student’s learning opportunity. Attendance is the responsibility of both parents and students. Students under 9 must attend school by law (ARS 15-803). Regular class attendance is necessary to pass. Excessive absence (more than 4.5 days per quarter) that affects academic progress may result in a lower grade or retention, at the school administration’s discretion.
Excused Absences
Illness: A doctor’s note or a note from parents explaining the reason for the absence is needed for the student’s attendance record.
Medical appointments or treatments: A doctor’s note is necessary for the student’s attendance record.
Religious holidays: A note from parents is required for the student’s attendance record.
Death: A note from parents is necessary for the student’s attendance record.
Personal or family emergency: A note from parents is needed for the student’s attendance record.
Unexcused Absences
- Family vacations.
- Non-Medical appointments.
- Babysitting.
- Absence for any other reason that does not meet the criteria of an excused absence.
- A student who is absent from school without notice.
Early Release
Parents are asked to schedule appointments after 3:15 p.m. to avoid needing an early dismissal. If a student must leave school early for a doctor/dental appointment or unavoidable emergency, follow these steps:
- Send a handwritten note (or call) with the student’s name, date and time of release, and reason for leaving early.
- The student should bring this note to the office before school starts.
- All students must be signed out by a parent/guardian (or someone listed on the emergency card) in the office before leaving.
- The note will be kept in the student’s attendance file.
Lateness
Being on time is important for a student’s future. lateness disrupts class for everyone. lateness is not being in class at 8:00 am.
- Three lateness equal 1 unexcused absence.
- Three unexcused absences due to lateness result in a 7:00 am detention the next school day.
- Continued lateness may lead to suspension.
Student’s Responsibilities
Students should attend school daily and on time, and participate fully. They are responsible for making up missed work within one day for each day absent. Pre-arranged absence work is due upon return. Uncompleted work will be graded zero.
Administrator’s Responsibilities
Admin will monitor attendance, contact parents about excessive absences, and ensure students attend regularly.
- After 5 absences, parents will be notified.
- After 10 absences, a meeting with parents and principals will be held to make an attendance plan.
- 18 absences could result in retention (4.5 per quarter).