EXPE R IE NTI AL L E ARN I N G A ND EXT END ED T RI P S • 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 the Health Coordinator (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 the Health Coordinator 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. • 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 Dean of Students/Head of the 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.
30 | GUIDE FOR ACADEMICS AND STUDENT LIFE
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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 the Health Coordinator 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 six 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 six 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, the Grade-Level Dean will call home and discuss the situation with the family. The attendance policy will be discussed and other consequences may be imposed, such as a restriction from extracurricular activities or the assignment of one or more disciplinary holdovers. • If a student misses a class fifteen times in a semester, the parents will be asked to come to school for a conference with the advisor, Grade-Level Dean and/ or Head of the Upper School/Middle School. In this meeting possible consequences will be discussed and a plan will be made to help the student going forward. • If a student misses class twenty times in a semester, he or she will not earn a grade for the class. The Dean of Students or the Head of the Upper School/ Middle School will communicate with the family and discuss possible alterations to the schedule or other alternatives. If a student has twenty or more absences in multiple classes, the School reserves the right to dismiss the student. • If a student misses class thirty times in a semester, he or she will not receive credit for the class. • If a student has chronic attendance issues, the School reserves the right to withhold or not renew the enrollment contract for the following year. • The expectation for second semester seniors is that they attend all classes leading up to their final four weeks before the internship experience. Second semester seniors who miss eight or more classes, or are tardy eight or more times, may need to attend classes in May rather than complete an internship. The Upper School administration will speak directly with students about the consequences for excessive absences or tardiness in the second semester.
