ATTENDANCE POLICY

September 2002

Squalicum High School and students will comply with all school rules, district policies and laws of the State of Washington governing student attendance and truancy.

 

School District Policy states "Pupils shall be punctual and regular in attendance and shall obey all rules and regulations of the school district as detemined by the administration and the Board of Directors." Any student who is absent more than 7 block class periods (14 hours) is subject to loss of credit for a class or classes."

  1. Excused Absences. Each student is expected to attend all of the assigned classes. The following excuses are acceptable: (a) illness or death in the family {this is the only acceptable excuse that does not require prior arrangements}, (b) prearranged contract, & (c) school activities.
  2. Returning to School. Students returning to school after an absence must clear their absence within 48 hours. This may be done by 1) parent phone call to the House Secretary or 2) bringing a note from the parent to the house Secretary.
  3. Illness If illness occurs at school, a student should report to class first and then to the Nurse's Office. A parent will be contacted to release the student to the home if necessary.
  4. Prearranged Attendance Contracts. In case of anticipated absence, students must present a request signed by a parent to the House Secretary at least two (2) days before the absence. If approved, the secretary will issue a contract that the student must present to teachers and arrange to make up any work to be missed.
  5. School Activities. Students participating in school-sponsored activities that require an absence are to be excused by the sponsoring teacher. A prearranged contract may be required for participation or attendance at some activities. The advisor for such events would provide details in such instances.
  6. Temporary Dismissals -- Medical/Dental Emergencies. Temporary dismissal from classes are arranged with House Secretary prior to the absence. We encourage the scheduling of such appointments at times other than school hours.
  7. Participation in Activity. Students absent on the day of an activity are ineligible to participate or practice that day. Athletes also must adhere to attendance regulations included in the district activity code. Athletes must be present in all classes to be eligible for practices or games that day.
  8. Notification of Parent. The Parent/guardian will be notified when the student is absent five (5) and seven (7) times in a class. Teachers may contact parents/guardians by phone or mail to communicate classroom progress on students if necessary. The school's automated phone machine will attempt to call the home on any unexcused attendance situation involving a student. Parents are encouraged to call the school with any questions on their student's attendance.
  9. Truancy Procedure. It will be the responsibility of the House Secretary and the administration to determine if a student is truant. Students entering a class after 20 minutes in the period, without an excuse, are also considered truant. 
    1. The first truancy will result in the scheduling of a conference with the student. The student will be placed in supervised After-School Study (ASA) one (1) hour for each period of truancy up to a maximum of five (5) hours. Parents will be notified.
    2. The second truancy will result in the notification of the parent and placement in Saturday School for a minimum of one (1) three-hour session.
    3. The third truancy will result in a three-day suspension from school.
    4. The fourth truancy will result in a recommendation for long-term suspension with loss of credit.
    5. Students presenting forged notes will receive a minimum of one (1) Saturday School session.

 

10. Tardy Procedure - Referred to office for disciplinary action at four (4) tardies from a class. Students reporting to class after the bell, without an excuse, are tardy or truant.

  1-3 Tardies Teacher discipline

4 Tardies ASA

6 Tardies SAT School

8 Tardies Short Term Suspension & Attendance Contract Established

8.13.02