ATTENDANCE/ABSENCES (BP 4110)
An essential component of academic excellence is the development of good work habits necessary to successfully complete in an increasingly competitive work force. Attendance is the cornerstone for the development of such good work habits. Consequently, the Board believes that the school system must place great emphasis on student attendance.
Territorial Law for attendance at school is ages 5-16. A child must be five (5) years of age on or before July 31st.
The school administrator shall have the final authority to decide whether an absence is considered as excused within the limits contained in this policy.
EXCUSED ABSENCE
An excused absence from school for any of the following reasons is recognized by the school principal that is legitimate are:
1. Illness of the student. However, students with three or more consecutive days from illness are required to present written certification from a physician attesting the nature of the illness and the duration for which the student should be excused from school.
2. Scheduled medical or dental visit.
3. Death of some member of the immediate family. (Immediate family is defined as (step) parents, guardians, (step) brothers, (step) sisters, grandparents, and child.
4. Required appearances in court or other legally related proceedings.
5. Natural disaster or catastrophe.
6. Lack of available bus transportation to school (bus riders only).
7. Travel which has the prior approval of a school administrator.
8. Participation in authorized school-related activities or compliance with administrative actions taken by the school.
9. Observance of holidays recognized by a religion of which the student is a member.
When a student is absent, the school requires a written excuse from the parent or guardian. If a student comes to school without a note from the parent or guardian, he/she will be given an unexcused absence until an excuse note is received from the parent/guardian. A note must be received within two days or the absence will remain unexcused.
NOTE SHOULD INCLUDE;
1. The date when the note is being written.
2. The student's full name (First, Middle and Last).
3. The date(s) of absence(s).
4. The reason for the absence.
5. A current contact number.
6. Signature of the parent/guardian.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
Absenteeism is defined as not present at school for more than four (4) hours in a day. All absenteeism should be supported by a written note or a doctor's certification. Three (3) consecutive days or more require a doctor's excuse with a "reporting back to school" date.
TARDINESS
All students will come to school on time. Tardiness is identified as reporting to class after 8:00 a.m. Tardy students will not be admitted in the classroom without a "Tardy Slip" from the office.
Valuable instructional time is lost by the tardy student as well as the entire class when a student walks into class late. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that all students arrive to school on time.
As Excused Tardy can be supported by a doctor's note or a written note by a parent or guardian. An Unexcused Tardy can be supported by a doctor's note or a written note by a parent or guardian. An Unexused Tardy is not encouraged. Three (3) Unexcused tardies will be referred to the administrator.
Tardy violations will result in consequences ranging from break/lunch detention and ultimately to suspension. Parents/guardians are urged to promote punctuality to all classes and assist the school in ensuring their child attends class on time.
OUT-OF-DISTRICT REGISTRATION (BP318)
Students "out of district" may register only after students within the attendance area have been accommodated. Out-of-district enrollment may be accepted on a "first come, first serve" basis. An Out-of Attendance Area Request Form must be completed and submitted to the Principal for approval. Excessive absenteeism and/or tardiness, lack of parental support, and/or serious Student Discipline problems may be used to revoke the permission for enrollment at the school.
Off-Island Pre-Arrangement Request
Pre-arranged absences must be secured from the Administrator for an extended absence. An Off-Island Authorization Form must be completed and submitted to the Main Office for the Principal's approval at least two weeks prior to the date of absence. Approval of such request will be determined by the nature of the trip and student(s)' academic standing. Off-Island absences may be excused for up to 10 days.
School Attendance-Suggestions for Parents and Students
Schedule doctor, dentist and other appointments before or after school hours, or on Saturday or teacher
workdays.
If you must schedule appointments during the school day, plan them so that your child does not miss the
same class every time.
If your child must be out of school for part of the day, allow him/her to miss only that time necessary for
the appointment.
Do not view tardiness as acceptable behavior.
Discourage early checkouts.
Be sure makeup work is completed promptly.
In case of prolonged absence due to hospitalization, etc. notify the teacher or School Nurse as soon as
possible and make arrangements to get school work collected and picked up for your child.
Attendance will be taken in all classes. Teachers are required to keep record of attendance for each class. Three unexcused absences warrants a call home and if behavior continues will be reported to the office.
Territorial Law for attendance at school is ages 5-16. A child must be five (5) years of age on or before July 31st.
The school administrator shall have the final authority to decide whether an absence is considered as excused within the limits contained in this policy.
EXCUSED ABSENCE
An excused absence from school for any of the following reasons is recognized by the school principal that is legitimate are:
1. Illness of the student. However, students with three or more consecutive days from illness are required to present written certification from a physician attesting the nature of the illness and the duration for which the student should be excused from school.
2. Scheduled medical or dental visit.
3. Death of some member of the immediate family. (Immediate family is defined as (step) parents, guardians, (step) brothers, (step) sisters, grandparents, and child.
4. Required appearances in court or other legally related proceedings.
5. Natural disaster or catastrophe.
6. Lack of available bus transportation to school (bus riders only).
7. Travel which has the prior approval of a school administrator.
8. Participation in authorized school-related activities or compliance with administrative actions taken by the school.
9. Observance of holidays recognized by a religion of which the student is a member.
When a student is absent, the school requires a written excuse from the parent or guardian. If a student comes to school without a note from the parent or guardian, he/she will be given an unexcused absence until an excuse note is received from the parent/guardian. A note must be received within two days or the absence will remain unexcused.
NOTE SHOULD INCLUDE;
1. The date when the note is being written.
2. The student's full name (First, Middle and Last).
3. The date(s) of absence(s).
4. The reason for the absence.
5. A current contact number.
6. Signature of the parent/guardian.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCE
Absenteeism is defined as not present at school for more than four (4) hours in a day. All absenteeism should be supported by a written note or a doctor's certification. Three (3) consecutive days or more require a doctor's excuse with a "reporting back to school" date.
TARDINESS
All students will come to school on time. Tardiness is identified as reporting to class after 8:00 a.m. Tardy students will not be admitted in the classroom without a "Tardy Slip" from the office.
Valuable instructional time is lost by the tardy student as well as the entire class when a student walks into class late. It is the responsibility of the parent or guardian to ensure that all students arrive to school on time.
As Excused Tardy can be supported by a doctor's note or a written note by a parent or guardian. An Unexcused Tardy can be supported by a doctor's note or a written note by a parent or guardian. An Unexused Tardy is not encouraged. Three (3) Unexcused tardies will be referred to the administrator.
Tardy violations will result in consequences ranging from break/lunch detention and ultimately to suspension. Parents/guardians are urged to promote punctuality to all classes and assist the school in ensuring their child attends class on time.
OUT-OF-DISTRICT REGISTRATION (BP318)
Students "out of district" may register only after students within the attendance area have been accommodated. Out-of-district enrollment may be accepted on a "first come, first serve" basis. An Out-of Attendance Area Request Form must be completed and submitted to the Principal for approval. Excessive absenteeism and/or tardiness, lack of parental support, and/or serious Student Discipline problems may be used to revoke the permission for enrollment at the school.
Off-Island Pre-Arrangement Request
Pre-arranged absences must be secured from the Administrator for an extended absence. An Off-Island Authorization Form must be completed and submitted to the Main Office for the Principal's approval at least two weeks prior to the date of absence. Approval of such request will be determined by the nature of the trip and student(s)' academic standing. Off-Island absences may be excused for up to 10 days.
School Attendance-Suggestions for Parents and Students
Schedule doctor, dentist and other appointments before or after school hours, or on Saturday or teacher
workdays.
If you must schedule appointments during the school day, plan them so that your child does not miss the
same class every time.
If your child must be out of school for part of the day, allow him/her to miss only that time necessary for
the appointment.
Do not view tardiness as acceptable behavior.
Discourage early checkouts.
Be sure makeup work is completed promptly.
In case of prolonged absence due to hospitalization, etc. notify the teacher or School Nurse as soon as
possible and make arrangements to get school work collected and picked up for your child.
Attendance will be taken in all classes. Teachers are required to keep record of attendance for each class. Three unexcused absences warrants a call home and if behavior continues will be reported to the office.