NINETY PERCENT (90%) ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENT

In order to receive credit for the term, 90% attendance is required in each assigned class (ARS 15-803B).  Classes missed due to school approved activities, e.g., field trips, performing groups, student government, etc., are excluded.  Administrators are authorized to excuse additional absences for extended illness, injury or extenuating circumstances upon satisfactory verification.  In such cases, to receive credit, students are expected to make up missed work in a timely manner.  Should a student accumulate 5 unverified or 10 total absences in a semester class, or 3 unverified or 5 total absences in a term, credit may be withheld.

ATTENDANCE LOSS OF CREDIT APPEAL  

If a student loses credit due to excessive absences, a letter will be mailed home explaining the reason for loss of credit as well as the procedure to appeal for credit reinstatement.  Students and parents must sign and return the appeal form.  A parent conference may be required to develop a plan for a successful appeal.  Students should continue to attend class and complete assigned work.  Attendance and grades will be considered in granting appeals.  The principal will make the final decision.

VERIFIED ABSENCES 

Absences that the parents/guardians excuse by phone or note (authorized school activities are not absences) within one day of the student’s return to school.  Should a student receive 5 total absences in a term class, or 10 total absences in a semester class, credit may be withheld. Should a student have 18 or more verified absences in a school year, the student and/or parent may receive a truancy citation.  Physician’s documentation of illness may be required.

UNVERIFIED ABSENCES  

Absences not authorized by parents within 24 hours of the student’s return to school OR absences that an administrator has confirmed as unauthorized OR absences that are for other than illness or family emergency.   If a student receives 3 unverified absences in any term class or 5 unverified in a semester class, loss of credit may occur.  If an appeal conference is requested, student, parent, teacher, and administration shall confer to determine future action. If a student receives 5 or more unverified absences in a school year, student and/or parent may receive a truancy citation.

STATE TRUANCY LAW

School attendance is not only a good habit, state law requires it.  Arizona State Law (15-802.A, 15-803.E) requires every person who has custody of a child between the ages of six and sixteen years shall make sure the child attends school for the full time school is in session unless unable to attend due to illness or another legitimate reason.  If a parent fails to ensure that the child attends school, the law states that he/she is guilty of a class 3 misdemeanor.  When the parent does not provide a valid excuse for the child’s absence, district truancy personnel may cite the student, parent or custodian directly into court for violating the state truancy law.

Combination of 18 absences (excused OR unexcused), the minor child and the minor child’s parent or legal guardian is in violation of the statute and subject to prosecution.
Prior to the state filing charges against the student and/or parent for the truancy violation, the parent is sent an advisory letter setting forth the allegation and the consequences.
 

If a subsequent truancy occurs after the advisory letter, truancy personnel may issue a citation to the parent and/or student for violation of the state truancy law.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

Students are obligated to attend classes for which they are scheduled.  Students are to:

Be prompt to all classes.
Check out with the attendance office prior to leaving campus.  Students must have prior permission to leave campus.  Absences from students leaving without permission from attendance, the nurse, or administration will remain unverified.
Report to class first and obtain permission from the teacher to leave class for any reason.
Report directly and immediately to the attendance office upon arriving late to school.  Students are not to loiter in cars or around campus.
Have all absences excused by parent/guardian no later than one day upon returning to school.
Request and complete any work missed for verified absences
Ninety percent (90%) attendance does not imply that a class will be automatically passed.  Students must attain a passing grade to receive credit.
 

PARENT/GUARDIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the parents’/guardians’ responsibility to ensure that students attend school regularly and inform the school of any absence.  By law, students under the age of 16 are required to attend school.

Parents/guardians shall be responsible for:

Assuring that students under the age of 16 enroll in school and attend regularly.
Excusing student absences by:
A.    Contacting the attendance office prior to an absence

B.    Calling on the day of the absence before 3:00 p.m.

C.    Sending a note.

3.  Absences not excused within 24 hours will remain unverified

4.  Initiating conferences with:

A.    Teachers to discuss excessive absences or loss of credit

B.    School administrators to discuss unverified absences or to appeal teacher action

SCHOOL RESPONSIBILITIES

It is the school’s responsibility to:

Maintain accurate attendance records
2.    Make a reasonable effort to inform students and parents/guardians of the attendance policy and procedures (auto dialer, summer mailer, handbook, student meetings)

Make a reasonable effort to communicate with parents regarding excessive absences, (electronic phone calls, direct calls, mail and report card, e-mail)
Meet with parents upon request
Inform parents by mail after a student’s third (3rd) absence
Notify student and parent of loss of credit
Provide attendance summaries to parents upon request
Explain the attendance policy and procedures at the beginning of school 
 

TEACHER RESPONSIBILITIES

Take attendance daily and keep accurate records
After three absences per term in daily block class, discuss reasons for absences and warn students of consequences
Contact parent when absences interfere with academic performance
Consult with student regarding possible loss of credit, and provide make up work for students with verified absences
Teachers will determine whether students will receive credit based upon academic performance and attendance