Absences & Tardies

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(The information found on this page was last updated on November 7, 2008.)


Absence Policy

Each students attendance record at school is very important. College admission offices and future employers will carefuly evaluate your attendance record.

A student missing more than three (3) days per nine weeks may automatically receive a failing grade for that grading period unless her/she turns in an appeals form and documentation at the announced time and that appeal is approved.

In case of an appeal, the student must be able to verify with documentation that his/her absences were within the guidelines of the county's attendance policy for excused absences. Parent notes are not considered proper documentation.

Excused absences set by Hamilton County:

  • Illness and/or hospitalization
  • Court appearance
  • Religious holidays
  • Death in the immediate family
  • Doctor/dental appointment


Appeals Process

When to appeal:

  • One week prior to exams if you have more than three (3) absences in any class, and you are passing the class you are appealing.

How to appeal:

  • Secure an appeals form in the main office.
  • Complete the form including dates to be appealed along with student and parent signatures.
  • Attach documentation to the back of the form.
  • Return completed form to the main office.

What may be appealed:

  • Doctor appointments (note must have doctor's signature)
  • Dental appointments (note must have dentist's signature)
  • Death in the immediate family
  • Hospitalization
  • Strict instructions from a physician to remain at home
  • Court appearance
  • Religious holidays (must be approved in advance)

Approved appeals will be posted outside the Guidance office.


Tardy Policy

Late to class:

  • Students who are late to class will serve a lunch detention the following day.

Late to school:

  • A tardy of fifteen (15) minutes or more requires that the student report to the main office to get an admit slip.
  • The tardy register must be signed, indicating the time of arrival and the reason for tardiness.
  • Not signing in will result in disciplinary action.
  • Repeated tardiness will result in disciplinary action including evening school, lunch detentions, after-school detentions, and suspensions.
  • Three (3) tardies counts as one (1) absence for any class.

Dismissals:

  • Requests for dismissal MUST be turned in to the attendance office before first block. (All requests must include reason, time, and parent contact number!)
  • Dismissals by fax will not be accepted.
  • Students must sign out in the office when dismissed.
  • Dismissals are granted at the discretion of the administration.
  • Dismissals of a half period or more count as absences in that particular class.
  • Students may only be signed out by a parent, guardian, or designated individual listed on the emergency card.


Makeup Work Policy

  • Makeup work for excused absences is required and shall receive full credit.
  • Makeup work for unexcused absences is required and may result in reduced credit (reduction may not exceed 10%).
  • Makeup work resulting from any absence is the responsibility of the student and shall be arranged at the teacher's convenience.
  • Makeup work must be completed with five (5) school days upon return from absence. Teachers may provide additional time if extenuating circumstances warrant.