Attendance Policy
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A well-planned class provides a learning opportunity for the students every day. If a student is absent, he is the one who is losing the educational benefits. Many times it is impossible to make up the "missed" experience -- at least in its entirety -- and to gain from this learning experience to the same degree that students would through the group involvement in the regular class.
 

Board Policy 2420

Regular attendance is essential to learning. Students are required to maintain regular attendance to qualify for high school credit. At the high school level, students will be allowed 12 absences per class (excused or unexcused) in a semester. The student will lose credit for the class on the 13th absence (after the 12th) in the semester. The board directs the superintendent to establish an appeal process to allow consideration of exceptions to this policy.

Board Policy2420 P

Absences (Maximum absences allowed per credit)

A student will be allowed 12 absences per class (excused or unexcused) in a semester. The student will lose credit for the class on the 13th absence (after the 12th) in the semester. Absences for school activities, suspensions, and certain verified non-school activities that are pre-approved by the principal or designee*, DO NOT count toward the 13 allowed during the semester. Arriving to class unexcused and more than 15 minutes late is considered an absence.

After the 3rd absence:

• Parents/guardians will be notified by telephone, personal contact, or
  certified letter after the 3rd absence.
• Reminder of the next step and the consequences of continued absences.

After the 6th absence:

• A parent/guardian conference will be requested after the 6th absence
• Reminder of the next step and the consequences of continued absences.

After the 9th absence:

• A referral will be made to the counselor who will setup an attendance
  contract with the student.
• Parents/guardians are not mandated to be present at this meeting but are
  encouraged to be present for this meeting.
• Reminder of the next step and the consequences of continued absences.

On the 13th absence:

• The student's parents/guardians will be notified that the student will receive no grade/credit (NG) for the class.
• Students who have lost credit due to absences will remain in the class to continue their educational experience. By remaining in the class and continuing to do the assigned work, the student avoids receiving an "F" grade, which would have an adverse effect on overall grade point average. (NG does not affect GPA.)
• The student may not be disruptive in class and must continue to abide by all class and school rules, otherwise disciplinary action will be taken and an "F" grade will be recorded.
• Any further absence will result in an "F" grade being posted to the students transcript.
• The counseling office will be notified as absences accumulate OR given copies of each of the absentee steps.

APPEAL PROCESS: Students who feel the circumstances surrounding their absences are such that the "no credit" policy should be waived may request a hearing before the Attendance Review Committee (ARC). This written request for a hearing for reinstatement of credit must be received by the principal within one week from the time the student receives a 13th absence. Included in this request should be an explanation for the absences and any special circumstances. Verifying documentation, such as notes from doctors, dentists, or court officers, should be presented at this time. No appeals will be scheduled after the 10th school day of the following semester. If an appeal cannot be initiated prior to school ending, it will carry over to the next school year. Seniors with an appeal pending will not be allowed to participate in the graduation ceremony. The school staff will provide every opportunity possible to expedite a timely hearing.

A hearing with the ARC (counselor, two teachers, and the assistant principal) will be scheduled within one week of the receipt of a request for hearing. Parents will be notified of the hearing and be provided the opportunity to attend. The committee will review the submitted information, have an opportunity to question the student, and make a determination whether credit will be reinstated and, if reinstated, possible guidelines. If credit is reinstated, guidelines and contracts may be required.

An appeal of the ARC's decision would be referred to the principal. This appeal must be in writing from the parents/guardians within three days of the ARC hearing. An appeal of the principal’s decision would go to the superintendent, and it also must be in writing within three school days. Upon the exhaustion of all appeal options; a final appeal may be made to the Board of Directors. It is strongly recommended that parents/guardians attend any appeal.

Legal Reference RCW28A.600.030
Grading Policies – Option to consider attendance
All absences require notification from a parent or guardian. Absences will be classified as EXCUSED, UNEXCUSED, or TRUANT.

EXCUSED ABSENCES (Board Policy #3122) can be verified for the following reasons:
A. Personal illness.
B. Health appointments that cannot be made outside the regular school day.
C. Recognized religious holidays.
D. Emergency family situations.
E. Planned absences which have been approved in advance and meet the prior arrangement.
F. Scheduled court appearances that are previously verified with the administration.
G. School related activities that are cleared by advisor in attendance office and placed on bulletin prior to absence.

For an absence to be excused a note must be given to the office within 24 hours of the student's return stating one of the reasons listed above. Only the above absences will be excused unless prior arrangements have been made with administration.

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