SOUTHERN HILLS ATTENDANCE POLICY
Students are expected to be in attendance every day school is in session as required by law and district policy. When a student is absent, a parent/guardian is to call the school at 720-561-3402 before 10:00 a.m. the day of the absence. We suggest that a doctor’s note be submitted when a child has an appointment or has seen a doctor due to an illness.
The following procedures are based on the BVSD Attendance Policy
TRUANCY FLOWCHART
Step 1: School Notifies Parents of too many absences (illness, trips, etc.)
SHMS contacts parents--sends Initial BVSD Attendance Letter
Hold conference with parent(s) and student to problem solve and create a plan to improve attendance
Document all interventions attempted to remedy situation
Determine if a 504 and/or health plan is needed
Step 2: If Absences Continue
School sends the 2nd BVSD attendance letter
Hold conference with parent and student to set up an attendance contract
Student is in compliance with plan and contract. Truancy remediation is averted—no further steps required.
Step 3: School submits Attendance Advocate Referral to BVSD Attendance Advocate
Attendance advocate will work with parents, DSS, Probation, Diversion, etc.
Step 4:
Attendance Advocate sends referral with supporting documents to district legal office.
Legal office prepares court documents.
Step 5:
Mediation
Step 6:
Truancy Court
Excused Absences... are those absences that have been properly excused for the following reason: temporary illness or injury, an absence which is pre-approved by the principal of the school, extended absences due to physical, mental or emotional disabilities, an absence which occurs when the student is in the custody of the court or law enforcement authorities, emergency, serious illness, or death in the family, medical and dental appointments which cannot be scheduled outside the regular school day, extreme inclement weather or participation in religious observances When a student is absent from school, he or she has 2 days to meet with individual teachers to make arrangements for turning in missed assignments. If a student has been absent for more than 3 days, parents/guardians may contact the school in order to get work missed for that absence. These work requests made before noon will be available for pick-up between 3:30 PM and 4 PM on the day of the request.
Unexcused Absences include all other absences or any absences that have resulted after the truancy process has started. Unexcused absences may result in disciplinary consequences. These may include but not limited to detention, the imposition of academic sanctions, and/or the initiation of court proceedings to enforce the requirements of the Colorado School Attendance Law.
Prearranged Absences...When parents/guardians have confirmed a prearranged absence for student and have secured in advance all the work that will be missed during that absence, these assignments will need to be turned in on the first day the student returns to school in order to receive full credit for the work. Pre-arranged absences should be made by a parent/guardian note or phone call to the attendance office as far in advance as possible of the intended absence.
Long-range Assignments and Absences...If an absent student has been issued a long-range assignment and is absent on the day the long-range assignment is due, the assignment will be due on the first day the student returns from the absence.
Prior Notification of Tests and Absences...When students are given prior notice of an upcoming test and are absent, but return on the day of the test, the student will be responsible for taking the test along with the other students at that time.
Permission to Leave School During the Day...If students are leaving school early, the attendance office must have a note or a phone call at least one hour prior to the pick up time from the parent/guardian giving the reason for the request. Upon return to school, please check in with the attendance office before returning to class.
TARDY POLICY
Students are expected to be in school and class on time. Tardiness is considered a form of absence. Consequences may be imposed if a student is tardy to class more than three times.
Tardy to School (1st Period)...A student will be considered Unexcused Tardy if he or she is late due to any reason other than: Temporary illness or injury, a tardy which is pre-approved by the administration of the school, due to physical, mental or emotional disabilities, a tardy which occurs when the student is in the custody of the court or law enforcement authorities, emergency, serious illness, or death in the family, medical and dental appointments (documentation may be required), extreme inclement weather or participation in religious observances. If a student is late to 1st period, report to the attendance office to get a pass to class.
Tardy to other periods of the day...Students will be marked tardy if they are not in class once the bill rings. Student will be referred to the office for disciplinary action after three tardies.