AT T ENDA NC E P O LICIES What about money? Students do not pay tuition to Tampa Prep for the time they are enrolled in one of these off-campus programs. Some financial aid is available through the individual programs. If a student wishes to enroll in an off-campus program for his or her senior year and still receive a diploma for graduating from Tampa Prep, then a small fee will be applied by the Head of School.
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How do I apply? Admission to these programs is competitive, and the application deadlines range from mid-February to mid-March. All applications must be mailed through the Head of the Upper School's office.
ATTENDANCE POLICIES Perhaps the most important determinant of high academic performance is contact between the student and teacher. Class time is essential for students to participate in class activities, ask questions, interact with the teacher and process information. When a student is absent from a class, there is a direct cost to both the student and teacher, as well as indirect costs to other students in the class. While there will likely be occasions during a year when a student must miss class, these should be rare and confined to unavoidable situations such as illness, serious injury, religious observance or major family event (weddings, funerals, etc.) Tampa Prep does not differentiate between excused or unexcused absences. Any time away from class has a negative impact, and as such, if a student is not present at school, he or she will be marked as absent. Study halls, advising periods, middle school athletics and class assemblies are considered important parts of the school day and will be treated the same as academic classes under the absence policy. If a pattern of absence develops, the School will investigate why the student is missing. It is essential that families communicate openly and regularly with the School if a student needs to miss class for any reason. We want to support students and families while balancing the clear expectation that each student must attend school regularly. •
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On the day a student is absent, parents are asked to notify Mrs. Zollinger (bzollinger@tampaprep.org or 813-251-8481 ext. 4031) by the time classes begin at 8:50 a.m. For any planned absences (such as school-sponsored events, religious observances, college visits or major family events) that require a student to miss three or more classes, a Planned Absence Form must be submitted. This form requires the student to obtain signatures from teachers of any missed classes, the Head of the Upper School/Middle School and a parent. It is the responsibility of the student to see each teacher for information on assignments prior to
the day of the absence. The Planned Absence Form should be turned in to Mrs. Zollinger at least one day before any absence. Students are required to make up all work they miss during an absence. The amount of time allowed for make-up work will be decided by each instructor, but may not exceed five days. Work not made up within the time specified will receive a zero. It is the student's responsibility to see each teacher following an absence. For pre-arranged absences (athletic events, field trips, college visits, etc.), it is the responsibility of the student to see each teacher for information on assignments prior to the day of the absence.
NOTE: If a student is absent for a portion of the school day, he or she may be required to make up any tests missed and turn in any work that is due by 4:15 p.m. that same day. Any major research project must be given to the assigning teacher by 8:50 a.m. on the day it is due, whether or not the student is present or the class is held.
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If a student is absent during any portion of the academic day, he or she may not participate in any after-school activities, including athletic and social activities, without permission from the Head of the Upper School/Middle School. Parents are expected to make every effort to schedule medical, dental and other appointments so that they do not conflict with class time. If this is impossible, a note from the medical professional is required on the student's return to school. For extensive illness involving several days of absence, parents are asked to keep regular communication with the school. Whenever a student feels ill and wants to leave school before the end of the day, he or she must visit the Health Coordinator before contacting the parents. If a student comes to school and then needs to miss any part of the school day, a parent must communicate via an email, note or phone call (813-251-8481 ext. 4031) before the student is permitted to leave campus. The student must sign out with Mrs. Zollinger then sign back in upon return to campus. If a student is truant from school, there will be disciplinary consequences including the likelihood of suspension from school for a period of time.
RESPONSE FOR REPEATED ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL • If a student misses a class five times in a semester, an email from the advisor will be sent to the student and parents indicating that he or she has missed the class five times. The School's attendance policy will be attached. It is the expectation of the School that the student and family will take every possible measure to address the attendance issues. • If a student misses a class ten times in a semester, GUIDE FOR ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE | 31