Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy and Procedures

According to State Statute 1003.21, each parent/guardian of a child within the compulsory attendance age shall be responsible for their child’s attendance. The following reasons for absence are valid: illness, serious injury or death in the immediate family, prearranged absences approved by the Principal or religious holidays. The following are not excusable in accordance with State Statute: truancy, out of school suspension, and trips to special occasions not approved in advance.

TARDINESS
Tardiness is defined as an arrival to school or class after the designated time, or after the tardy signal has sounded. When tardiness becomes excessive — four (4) or more times per nine-week grading period– the parent/guardian will be notified by classroom teachers. Progressive
interventions will be initiated by the MTSS Individual Problem-Solving Team.

EARLY DEPARTURE
An early departure is any unexcused departure prior to the end of the class or school day. Parents are encouraged to keep students in school for the entire school day with minimum interruptions or requests for early dismissal. Early dismissals interfere with classroom instruction. Dismissal within the final 30 minutes of the school day is prohibited unless the Principal determines that it is an emergency, or the student has a medical, dental, or court appointment that cannot be rescheduled.

EXCUSED ABSENCES
The following factors are deemed to be reasonable excuses for students’ school absences:

• Insurmountable problems
• Death of a family member
• Attendance at a center under the supervision of Children and Family Services
• Court appearance
• Approved school activity
• Religious instruction or holiday
• Medical appointments and/or personal illness
• Appointment for therapy services
• Out-of-school suspension
• Confinement at a detention center

*Non-compliance of attendance policies will result in but may not be limited to an attendance contract. *