Arrival and Dismissal

from TPCS Lower School Handbook (2021-2022)

Before care is FREE from 7:40 – 8:00 AM

Vacations during the School Year: A written letter or e-mail to attendance@tpcs.org notifying the school must be received one week before the first day of the absence. At least one week prior to the absence, the student must request and obtain all assignments that will be missed during the absence. All assignments are due upon return from vacation. Vacation days count toward the total of excused absences per semester. Absent from the Classroom, but Not Considered Absent from School: The Indiana Department of Education allows a student to be absent from the classroom, but not considered absent from school for specific reasons. Students are responsible for making up all school work from such absences. Work is due on the original date unless otherwise specified by the teacher. Non-absences include the following reasons: • Exhibiting at the State Fair • Serving as a page in the State Legislature • Working at the polls during a local or general election • School-sponsored field trips, which include student council exchange, music programs, and class-related activities • Subpoena to appear in court • All In-School or Out-of-School Suspensions

Consequences for Excessive Absences:

• When a student reaches seven (7) excused absences in a semester, a letter (or email) will be sent indicating that the student is close to the maximum number of allowed absences and is subject to administrative review. • On the tenth (10) absence, the parent/guardian will be required to speak with an administrator via an inperson or phone conference and disciplinary action may be given. • As a means of emphasizing the importance of school attendance, a student who violates the TPCS attendance policy may receive one or more of the following consequences: • In-school discipline • Revoking enrollment status • Referral to Child Protective Services

Consequences for Unexcused Absences: Unexcused absences may result in prompt consequences which may include detention (i.e. lunch and/or recess, before and/or after school), suspension and/or expulsion. Unexcused absences will result in a zero for any missing school work due that day. Tardies: Each student is expected to be in the classroom by 8:05 a.m. for an 8:10 a.m. start. This allows the student to have time at their cubby or locker, to read the morning meeting board, and to learn the skills of time management and organization. It also gives them the experience of enjoying a warm greeting from the teacher. Morning meetings are a crucial time that builds classroom culture and relationship, and sets the educational tone for the day. Tardies are kept on record in each class throughout the semester.

Types of Tardies: • Excused Tardies - A parent may excuse up to 7 late arrival tardies per semester; tardies beyond this number are to be excused only by the appropriate principal. Parents should call the office the day of the tardy. Students who are tardy will be utilizing the Hall Pass check-in system to ensure accuracy of

arrival time.

• When a student reaches seven (7) tardies in a semester, a letter (or email) will be sent indicating that the student is close to the maximum number of allowed tardies and is subject to administrative review. On the tenth (10) tardy, the parent/guardian may speak with an administrator via an in-person or phone conference and disciplinary action may be given. • Unexcused - Beyond 7 excused tardies per semester or when a parent does not notify the office within 24 hours of a school tardy.