2013–14 Excused Absences—Prior Approval for Full-Day Absences 1.
A request for an excused absence must be made in writing to the attendance officer at least five calendar days prior to the requested date of absence. Approval is granted by the principal or dean of students.
2.
The student will receive a form from the attendance officer to take to each teacher for signature and documentation about work completion. No teacher approval is official until this form is signed.
3.
The student returns the COMPLETED form to the attendance desk at least two days prior to departure.
4.
Students must be in school ALL DAY–8:00 am to 3:00 pm–on days preceding and following an official school holiday or teacher work day. These dates are marked in the school calendar as unexcused; there will be disciplinary and academic conse quences for leaving early, arriving late, or missing the day without prior approval. An absence form is required for leaving early or missing the day preceding a holiday, and for arriving late following a holiday.
5.
Failure to follow this procedure will result in a detention and possible academic or disciplinary consequence.
Absence Due to Religious Observance The Lovett School is committed to creating and maintaining an environment that welcomes and applauds the diversity among its students. With this diversity comes the need to be aware and respectful of our students’ religious beliefs, traditions, and celebrations that may, upon occasion, interfere with school attendance and/or preparation for tests, assessments, homework, or other assignments. When a Middle School student is absent due to religious observances, the approval for an excused absence is automatic. However, notification must be made in writing or in person to the appropriate dean of students at least five calendar days prior to the requested date of absence. Similarly, if a student is in school but that student’s observance will interfere with preparation for tests, assessments, homework, or other assignments, the student must notify the dean at least five calendar days in advance. The student is guaranteed two days to make up work for every day affected by the religious observance. Make-up Responsibilities After an Excused Absence Make-up work is the student’s responsibility. After an excused absence, a student will normally have one day for each day excused to make up missed work. The teacher will offer reasonable support and has discretionary power to extend the make-up schedule beyond the regulation time. In cases of extended illness, the student may enlist the aid of the advisor or office in setting up a make-up schedule. Students should make every effort to stay in e-mail communication with each teacher throughout the absence. If an absence is pre-determined, the student is expected to do the majority of the work ahead of time, or complete the work during the absence period. The student is expected to return to school prepared for normal classroom work and prepared to take assigned tests unless prior arrangements are made.
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