AISC MIDDLE

Periods During Special Schedules

No-tech includes all personal electronic devices: phones, headphones, laptops, game devices, iPads, etc. This applies to all MS students in all public areas and areas of the MS and the CIC.

Examples of public and common areas:

© FAC Cafeteria

© Picnic tables

© Unity Courtyard

© I-Hub

© MS stairways and landings

© Athletic fields & gymnasiums

If a problem persists with a student using a device after repeated reminders, a teacher or staff member will contact the advisor or team leader to follow up with the student’s technology use. A follow-up conversation or conference may follow about balance and healthy habits if a student is habitually having difficulty limiting their time on their device.

Exceptions

Students may be permitted to use a device at lunch if they are under the direct supervision of a teacher during the lunch period to engage in the work of a club, student activity or academic assignment.

Students who need technology as an assistive device are excluded, given the use of the device is not being used for entertainment, gaming or other nonassistive purposes.

Attendance

Classroom learning activities are essential to the acquisition of the knowledge, skills and attitudes identified in the school curriculum and to the preparation of our students for success in their lives beyond school. Being absent from school is unavoidable in some cases, but when absences exceed a reasonable limit the academic integrity of an AISC education is compromised.

It is the responsibility of the parents and students to ensure that students maintain satisfactory attendance. It is the responsibility of the Administration to ensure that satisfactory attendance records are maintained. Parents are required to call the MS Office before 8:30 a.m. to inform about any absences for the day. Teachers report attendance to the Office each day using the School’s electronic database.

When, in the opinion of the Administration, it appears that a student’s academic progress is suffering as a result of irregular attendance, the Administration will take appropriate steps to correct the problems. This may include disciplinary action for unexcused absences or being placed on academic probation.

In virtual learning, procedures for attendance will be clearly communicated with students and parents.

In virtual learning, students are expected to be actively engaged with all aspects of the academic online learning program in order to be considered in attendance. Criteria for this engagement will be shared with students and parents and may be adjusted if warranted by extenuating circumstances.

Excused Absences

An Excused Absence is one for which missed work may be made up. When it is necessary for a student to be absent, the following reasons shall be accepted as Excused Absences:

© illness;

© family emergencies (i.e. serious illness or death in the immediate family);

© medical, legal or religious duties which cannot be cared for after regular school hours;

© participation in a school-sponsored activity; or

© such other reasons as approved by the Administration.

Work missed during absences shall be made up in a timely manner, usually within the same number of school days missed plus one, unless special arrangements are made with the teacher(s) before the last day of turning-in missed work.

If a student knows that they will be missing school ahead of time, they must make arrangements with the teacher(s) regarding the work that will be missed.

Students are expected to be in class the day after a school trip. Please see “Late Arrivals” below for more information.

Unexcused Absences

An Unexcused Absence is one for which missed work may not be made up and includes all absences not defined in “Excused Absences.” The following are examples of unexcused absences.

© Staying away from school to do school work

© Staying away from school to avoid academic deadlines

© Absence for personal or family trips without prior approval from the Principal

© Any absence not approved as an Excused Absence by the Administration

An absence is assumed to be unexcused unless otherwise indicated. When a student is absent, they have five consecutive school days after they return to clear any unexcused absence. A student may appeal an Unexcused Absence to the Principal.

When a student is absent for more than 50% of any single class period, they will be considered absent, not tardy. A student who is absent for more than two blocks during the day may not participate in any after school activities or school-sponsored events that day without the Principal’s approval. Students who leave school during the day due to illness may not return that day for cocurricular activities or for school- sponsored events either on or off campus.

Limit on Absences

Students who attend school or a class for less than 85% of the total number of school days may be assigned additional course work or placed on academic probation.

This policy pertains to excused and unexcused absences, with the exception of days missed for disciplinary suspension and school-sponsored trips (e.g.