Students are expected to be in school and in class daily and on time. A student is considered absent if they enter class after 10 minutes have elapsed. Punctual attendance is the first requirement for success – both here and in the “real” world. A large part of learning takes place during class discussions and participation. Many of our teachers use instructional methods that require student participation; if students are absent, they miss out on that learning.

IMPACT ON GRADES:  The depth of coverage of material in our courses requires active student engagement and participation. The failure to attend class prevents active student engagement. Consequently attendance is a necessary component of our classes and will be considered as a basis for grading in all courses. Please review each course syllabus for details on how absences will impact your grades.

EXCUSED ABSENCE: If an absence is excused, students shall be permitted upon request to make up all missed assignments outside of the class under reasonable conditions and time limits established by the school and/or teacher. The following are valid excuses for absences and tardiness:

• Absence due to illness, health condition, family emergency or religious purposes: The parent must notify the school attendance office on the morning of the absence and send a signed note of explanation with the student upon his/her return to school.

• Participation in a school-approved activity: Activity must be authorized by a school staff member. Student's teacher must be notified prior to the absence.

•Absence resulting from disciplinary actions and/or suspensions:   Students who are removed from class or classes as a disciplinary measure and/or who have been placed on suspension have the right to make-up assignments or exams missed during the time they were denied entry to the classroom.

It is the student's and/or parent's responsibility to document each absence by submitting a written note (signed by a parent/guardian) to the attendance office or by having the legal guardian call 252-4504 within two school days of the absence. Accurate information is a critical part of the process. Documentation should include:

1) Student name & identification number
2) Exact date and periods absent
3) reason for absence
4) Parent/guardian signature

EXTENDED ABSENCE DUE TO HEALTH CONDITION: If a student is confined to home or hospital for an extended period, the school can arrange for the accomplishment of assignments at the place of confinement whenever practical. If the student is unable to do his/her schoolwork, or if there are major requirements of a particular course which cannot be accomplished outside of the class, the may be required to take an incomplete or withdraw form the class without penalty.

UNEXCUSED ABSENCE: Any absence not authorized or excused from the above reasons will be considered unexcused. 

At the option of the teacher, the student may or may not be permitted to make up missed assignments or exams or other class activities missed as a result of an unexcused absence.   Further, students with excessive absences may be
disallowed from participation in extra-curricular activties.

All absences to school are unexcused unless the parent/guardian contacts the school by phone, email, or note within two school days (48 hours).

TARDINESS:  Students arriving late to school or class for any reason not described as an excused absence will be counted as unexcused tardy.  Arrival to class late, by 10 minutes or more, will be considered an absence.

• An excused tardy: The student submits a signed note from a school staff member or the attendance office. Student shall be granted the opportunity to make up missed assignments and/or exams within a reasonable time limit approved by the teacher.

• An unexcused tardy: The student does not submit a signed note from a school staff member or the attendance office. At the option of the teacher, the student may or MAY NOT be permitted to make up missed work assignments and/or exams for an unexcused tardy.

STUDENTS WILL BE ASSIGNED DETENTION(40 minutes) FOR ALL UNEXCUSED TARDIES
Tardies to period 1-4 will result in Lunch Detention that day
Tardies to period 5 or 6 will result in After School Detention that day

IN-HOUSE SUSPENSION WILL BE ASSIGNED FOR THE FIRST AND SECOND MISSED DETENTIONS

ANY FURTHER MISSED DETENTIONS OR FAILURE TO COMPLETE/ATTEND IN-HOUSE WILL REQUIRE A PARENT CONFERENCE WITH SCHOOL ADMINISTRATION BEFORE THE STUDENT IS ALLOWED TO RETURN TO CLASSES

STATE TRUANCY LEGISLATION: According to Washington State truancy laws (RCW 28.A.225) after seven (7) unexcused absences in one month, or ten (10) in one year, school districts must file a truancy petition alleging a violation of the law by the student, by the parent or both. According to the State of Washington, an unexcused absence is student nonattendance for more than 50% of the student's school day. This nonattendance has not been approved by a parent/guardian through the attendance office within three (3) school days. We strongly encourage the parent/guardian to contact the school to meet with a counselor or administrator to develop strategies to eliminate student absences when a student has reached two (2) unexcused absences in a one month period.

Further information regarding school attendance can be found at the following sites:

SEATTLE SCHOOL DISTRICT TRUANCY OFFICE WEBPAGE

STATE OF WASHINGTON COMPULSORY ATTENDANCE LAWS