Frequently Asked Questions
Are a student’s first 7 absences in a period in a semester automatically excused?
No. The parent/guardian must verify an absence by contacting the Attendance Office for it to be excused. If not, it will be considered a truancy, marked unexcused, and subject to the makeup policy for unexcused absences.
Will a student’s 8th (or subsequent) verified absence in a period in a semester automatically be unexcused?
Yes, unless the parent/guardian provides verification for that absence that meets one of the listed exemptions (e.g., doctor’s note).
What if a student has a recurring medical or mental health reason for being absent more than 7 times in a semester? How will that be handled?
With proper documentation, these absences will be considered excused.
Is family travel or vacation considered an exemption for unexcused absences?
No. Vacation is not a valid cause for an absence. Families should plan vacations when school is not in session.
What does it mean that “the grade for makeup work, quizzes, and tests from an unexcused absence will be entered into the gradebook at 75% of the earned score?
Any makeup assignment, quiz, or test that was missed due to an unexcused absence will first be scored like any other assignment, quiz, or test. This is the “earned score.” Then, the teacher will calculate 75% of that earned score and enter the resulting product into the grade book. For example, an earned score of 100 points out of a 100 point assignment will have 75 points entered into the grade book for that assignment (100 x 0.75 = 75). An earned score of 80 points out of a 100 point assignment will have 60 points entered into the grade book for that assignment (80 x 0.75 = 60).
Will all teachers apply the 75% rule to makeup work, quizzes, and tests that were missed due to an unexcused absence?
Yes.