ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS
The Day After an Absence 1. The parent/guardian must provide a signed note * with the following information to clear the absence as verified: • name of student and ID number • date(s) of absence • reason for absence • parent signature and contact number *An official note provided by a doctor, dentist or medical office will also suffice.
Students are expected to have regular and prompt attendance in class. Missing more than 40 minutes of an 80-minute class (or half the period for a shorter class) constitutes an absence. A note from a parent/guardian verifying an absence will be kept on file in the Attendance Office through the end of the school year. A student who misses more than 10 class sessions in a semester, for a particular course, is considered to be excessively absent and, therefore, in danger of losing academic credit for the course(s) in which the absences occurred. Any student who exceeds 15 absences will automatically lose academic credit regardless of the grade or reason(s) for the absence(s).
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When a student reaches 7 absences in a class for any reason (verified, unexcused, truancy, or suspension) during a semester, a conference may be scheduled with the student, the parent(s)/guardian(s), and the school counselor. At this conference, the reasons for the excessive absences will be reviewed and a plan for successfully completing the semester will be discussed. The student may also be placed on an attendance contract to which the student must adhere in order to earn credit for the class.
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Arriving at School After the Start of a School Day: Students arriving to campus any time after 8:30 am MUST check in at the Attendance office. It is imperative that the student check in at the Attendance Office when arriving to school after the start of the school day whether or not the student has a signed note. Failure to do so may result in disciplinary consequences.
Parents will receive a daily attendance notification from the Attendance Office alerting them to their student’s absence or tardiness to class. Parents will be directed to the Parent Portal to check for the specific class(es) in which the student was marked absent or tardy. While being present at school every day is very important, we recognize that there are instances where an absence is necessary and even expected (i.e. illness, death in the family, etc.). Such instances should supersede any efforts to be in school every day and have perfect attendance. As such, awards for perfect attendance are not issued.
Early Dismissals: No student is ever allowed off campus during school hours without specific permission obtained, in advance, through the Attendance Office. When a student is expected to leave class early due to a prearranged appointment, the parent must call the Attendance Office, send an email with a parent signature (attendance@bishopamat.org) or send a signed note with their student to drop off at the Attendance Office by 8:10 am.
Types of Absences 1. Verified absences: a. valid illness b. medical, dental, orthodontic, optometry or lab appointment c. legal or *court appearance d. attendance at funeral services e. approved school sponsored activities 2.
Unexcused absences: a. any absence for an acceptable reason (as listed above) in which the parent/guardian has failed to notify the school and has not provided a signed note for the student’s attendance file
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Truancy: Truancy is defined as an unexcused absence from school without the knowledge and consent of both the parents and the proper school authority, either for a whole day, part of a day, or part of a class period.
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Signed notes should be scanned and emailed to: attendance@ bishopamat.org Signed notes can also be faxed to: (626) 480-7442 or sent with the student to drop off at the Attendance Office upon the return to campus. When a signed note is received by the office personnel, the absence will be cleared as “verified”. If no note is provided, office personnel will make every effort to follow up with parent. Until then, the absence will remain “unexcused”.
Parents must submit a signed early dismissal request with the following information: name of student, ID number, date of early dismissal from class, reason for early dismissal, parent signature and parent contact number. Early dismissal requests will be processed during the first block of the day and students may pick up their Early Dismissal slip from the office at break or lunch. Requests made directly by parents/guardians later in the day will be processed, however, please note the following: • •
Authorized Family Absence: Authorized family absences are those absences that have been prearranged through, and approved by, the Vice Principal These absences are counted towards the student’s allowable absences and will be included in the total absence count if a loss of credit situation should arise.
Once students are dismissed to a scheduled break, lunch or assembly (Mass, rallies, etc.), students cannot be pulled for an Early Dismissal On special activity/picnic days, Early Dismissal requests will not be approved and processed unless the parent/legal guardian comes to campus to personally make the request. This includes the parent/ legal guardian of any student-driver. Phone call or email requests will not be accepted either. There will be no exceptions.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
Athletic Early Dismissals Classroom teachers are provided with an electronic listing of athletic teams, team rosters, game days, and dismissal times for each season. Team members are automatically released from class for games according to these listings.
The Day of an Absence When a student is expected to be absent for either the whole day or part of the day, the parent must call the Attendance Office at extension 7440 or send an email to attendance@bishopamat.org to notify the school of the absence.
Tardiness It is very important for students to arrive to school and to each class on time. The habit of arriving late can become a life-long problem so it is imperative for parents and students to establish a routine that will ensure timeliness.
Note: A mandated and verified court appointment is not counted as an absence provided the student presents an official statement from the court noting the time and length of the appointment upon return to school.
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