GHS Attendance Policy

GHS ATTENDANCE POLICY

Effective the 2006-2007 school year, GHS is implementing the following attendance policy:

1.  All students will be permitted four (4) absences per nine weeks for whatever reason (excused or unexcused is no longer documented).

2.  Upon the fifth absence, the student will be subjected to the attendance policy and will automatically receive an “F” in the respective class unless the following criteria is met:

a.   The student must meet all teacher requirements for make-up work within the time provided.  Time provided is equal to the length of the absence.  (For example, if a student is absent two consecutive days they have two days immediately following their return to complete the teacher requirements).

b.  The student must take and pass the session exam (9 weeks test) with a minimum passing score of 70%.  This documents the student has mastered the standards at the minimum passing level covered within the 9 week period, as well as, provides justification to reinstate the grade earned.

3.  If a student misses five (5) days in any class and meets the criteria set forth in 2(a) and 2(b), then the student grade earned will be reinstated as appropriate.

4.   If a student misses five (5) days in any class and does not meet the criteria set forth in 2(a) and 2 (b), there is no appeal as grades cannot be awarded without the student demonstrating a minimum 70% mastery of standards.

5.  If a student misses more than ten (10) days in any given 45-day grading period, the student will automatically receive the grade of “F” in respective courses and be reported to appropriate social service agencies for non-attendance, as well as, the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety for recommended driver’s license revocation.  

6.  Students missing fifteen (15) consecutive days will be automatically withdrawn for non-attendance.

7.  Teachers will enter grades through PowerSchool as normal.  Students failing due to attendance will receive the appropriate comment or designation.

8.  An absence is defined as missing more than 50% or 45 minutes of any 90 minute period or class.

9.  Absences due to school-approved activities will not count against the student total.

10. Absences due to the assignment of ISS (In-School Suspension) will not count against the student as long as the student is present as required in ISS and completes appropriate course work.

11. Absences due to the assignment of OSS (Outside School Suspension) will count against the student total.  OSS is a physical absence.  Behavior resulting in suspension is the choice of the student and should result in appropriate consequences.  If the affected student completes requirements as set forth in 2(a) and 2(b), the appropriate grade is reinstated

ADVANTAGES:

v     Increases student accountability for attendance.  High school students are treated as responsible, age-appropriate secondary students.

v     Increases student performance due to consistent student attendance.

v     The Attendance Policy is fair and applies to everyone.

v     Increases student responsibility in the area of attendance and improves skills that can be transferred the world of work.

v     Decreases wasted time and resources with personnel assigned to track absences

v     Decreases absenteeism due to skipping, etc.

v     Decreases the number of student check-outs

v     Decreases behavior resulting in suspension

v     The Attendance Policy is standards-based.  We are setting a standard that attendance matters and most importantly, requiring students to demonstrate mastery of standards prior to awarding grades or course credit

v     There is no academic penalty for students who meet all requirements of the attendance policy.