Students who do not attend a minimum number of scheduled classes as stated below, regardless of the reason for the absence, may be denied academic credit. Students whose absences exceed the following guidelines may lose credit for the course:
▪ Semester Course: 10 Absences
▪ Full Year Course: 20 Absences
Students who feel they are having trouble in class because of poor attendance are encouraged to consult with their teachers about the problems. If absences continue to accumulate, students can expect to receive warnings and advice from both their Guidance Counselor and grade level principal.
In addition to these final numbers, the Committee will get periodic reports from teachers on students with attendance problems.
Remember:
- There is an Attendance Review Committee.
- Poor attendance can result in a variety of actions by the Committee.
- If attendance is poor enough, academic credit may be denied.
- Absences can include both excused and unexcused reasons for missing school.
- Medical excuses can be for ten (10) absences only. Physician’s notes covering these ten absences must be brought in to grade level office within ten (10) school days of each absence or they will not be accepted.
RtI – Attendance Review Committee
One of the most important responsibilities of any student is regular attendance in school. Duanesburg Central High School has an Attendance Review Committee which monitors student attendance. The Committee evaluates student attendance problems and recommends actions to the principal. These actions may include many options. Among these are:
▪ Guidance counseling
▪ Referral to outside agencies
▪ Filing P.I.N.S. petitions
▪ Involvement of the school Resource Officer
In addition to the actions above, the Committee may recommend that a student be denied academic credit. This means that unless the student maintains a certain attendance level he/she may be denied school credit for the course whether or not the student has a passing average in that course.
Rationale
A considerable number of students each year accumulate an excessive number of absences from school. In some cases, verified illness is the cause, and adjustments are made for supplemental or modified instruction. In some cases, the absences are a direct result of disinterest or lack of concern for school. Periodic and systematic evaluation of student attendance is necessary to maintain the proper educational environment for all students.
Function of the Committee
The purpose of the Attendance Review Committee shall be to chart a course of action that will lead to improved attendance. This action may be any or all of the following:
▪ recommend denial of academic credit
▪ recommend guidance counseling
▪ recommend administrative intervention via letter, telephone call, etc.
▪ recommend to parents outside emergency assistance
▪ recommend filing P.I.N.S. petition
▪ recommend involvement of attendance officer
▪ invite student to meet with Committee
▪ invite parents/guardians to meet with Committee
▪ use any other option available
▪ implement attendance reduction contract
When the student reaches ten (10) absences in a half-year course or twenty (20) absences in a full-year course, the Committee would offer the parents/guardians an opportunity for a hearing. The student will be offered the opportunity to complete an “attendance reduction contract”. This contract consists of a two (2) day reduction from the absence total of the student.
To fulfill the contract the student must meet with the teacher and complete course work that is equivalent to two (2) class periods. The teacher will be notified in writing of the contract. When the contract between the teacher and student is completed the grade level principal will be notified. The opportunity to enter into an “attendance reduction contract” will be offered only one time during each course.
Denial of Credit
The awarding of academic credit at Duanesburg Central High School will be based in part on attendance in class. Students who do not attend a minimum number of academic classes may be denied academic credit. Exceptions to the attendance regulation may be made for students with extended illness who have completed other academic requirements. Information concerning the attendance requirement will be distributed to all students and teachers at the beginning of the school year.
Teacher Reports
The teachers will inform the principal according to the schedule below when a student’s attendance becomes unsatisfactory. Guidance-originated appointments, parent/guardian conferences, administrative meetings, internal suspension and field trips are not reported as absences. Examples of absences are contained within the District’s Comprehensive Attendance Policy.
Excused and Unexcused Events
The following reasons for absence, tardiness, or early departure will be deemed excused absences for the purpose of the attendance register:
Elementary School, Grades K-6
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
– Absences approved in advance with principal
– Court order
– Extreme medical – such as surgery or
long-term illness (with proof)
– Medically sick
– Quarantine – verifiable by doctor
– Religious observance
– Serious illness or death in family
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:
– Babysitting
– Car problems
– Family vacations
– Hunting or fishing
– Missing the bus
– Oversleeping
– Planned family events
– Shopping
– Staying at home
– Other reasons not on approved list
Jr./Sr. High School, Grades 7-12
EXCUSED ABSENCES:
– Absences approved in advance with principal (may include job interviews, school sponsored sports competitions, etc.)
– Approved Cooperative Work Programs
– Court order
– Extreme medical – such as surgery or
long-term illness (with proof)
– Field trip/school sponsored activities
– Medically sick (Three consecutive days of absence, due to illness, will require written note from a doctor/health clinic)
– Military obligations
– Pre-approved college visits (letter from Admission’s Office is required)
– Quarantine – verifiable by doctor
– Religious observance
– Road Test
– Serious illness or death in family
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES:
– Babysitting
– Car problems
– Employment
– Family vacations
– Field Trips not authorized by the Principal
– Fire calls
– Hunting or fishing
– Learner’s permit test
– Missing the bus
– Oversleeping
– Recreation
– Shopping
– Staying at home
– Truancy
– Other reasons not on approved list
All other reasons not listed above are unexcused and therefore, will be counted as absences which could potentially lead to loss of course credit.
Reporting Schedule
Teachers should use the behavior referral to report absences. Include the number of absences and the student’s approximate class average. Referrals should be submitted the day that each student advances to Level II or higher levels.
LEVEL I
NUMBER OF ABSENCES:
One (1) to five (5) absences in either a semester or full-year course.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
During this time, the teacher should confer with the student and inform parents/guardians if assignments are not made up.
LEVEL II
NUMBER OF ABSENCES:
Six (6) absences in a single semester course or eight (8) absences in a full year course
ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
Behavioral referral sent to principal.
After teacher notification, principal informs parents of continuing problem.
School counselor will contact student if academic problem is a result.
LEVEL III
NUMBER OF ABSENCES:
Twelve (12) absences in a full year.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
Behavior referral sent to principal.
School counselor confers with student and parents/guardians on continuing problem.
LEVEL IV
NUMBER OF ABSENCES:
Eight (8) absences in a semester or sixteen (16) absences in a full year.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
Behavior referral sent to principal who notifies parent/guardian and student of imminent credit loss
LEVEL V
NUMBER OF ABSENCES:
Ten (10) absences in a semester or twenty (20) absences in a full year.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN:
Behavior referral sent to grade level principal.
If the student fails to maintain his obligation, a loss of credit letter is then sent by the Principal.