Page 11 - 2015-2016 Student Handbook

II. ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
Attendance is taken very seriously at Wakefield High School. The staff and administration believe there is a high correlation between attendance and achievement and that regular attendance is crucial to student success. WHS will maintain accurate attendance information and will share this information with parents and students. It is extremely important for parents and students to closely monitor and document any absences.
Students will not be counted absent from school when participating in school-sponsored
events. School assemblies are considered school-related. If students do not attend the assembly, it is considered an unexcused absence. To be counted present during the school day, students must be in school at least one half of the day (2 periods). A student must be in class a minimum of 45 minutes to be counted present for period attendance.
EXCUSED ABSENCE
Excused Absences are defined by School Board Policy #6000.3 as:
 Illness or injury which makes the student physically unable to attend school.
 Isolation ordered by the State Board of Health or the Wake County Health Department.
 Death in the immediate family.
 Medical, dental, or other appointment with a health care provider for the
student or for a child for whom the student is the parent.
 Court when a student is under subpoena.
 Religious observance, as suggested by the religion of the student or parent.
 Participation in an educational opportunity, such as travel with prior approval as documented on the “Request for Excused Absences for Educational Reasons.”
 A catastrophic event or natural disaster.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
Consistent attendance in school is linked to student achievement and higher grades. Unexcused absences are considered skipping. Absences such as oversleeping, missing the bus, traffic, car trouble, or absent from class without permission are unexcused. A note from the student’s parent or guardian must be brought to the Attendance Office within 2 days of returning from the absence. Without a note, the student will receive a discipline referral for skipping. Following an absence, work can be completed for full credit. Absences resulting from suspensions are unexcused and the same make-up policy applies.
ABSENCE NOTES
Upon return from an absence, students should bring a note from a parent or doctor to the Attendance Office. Absence notes should include the following:
 Student’s name – first and last – no nicknames
 Date(s) absent
 Time leaving school
 Reason for leaving
 Parent/Guardian signature
 Home and work phone numbers of parents
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