This procedure designates eight (8) days absence each semester as the maximum allowed for normal
circumstance of regular school attendance. It must be remembered that arriving late or leaving
school early counts as absence for those classes that are missed. For the purpose of attendance each
class period is treated independently. The eight (8) absences are to accommodate: personal illness;
professional appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the regular school day; religious
observances; visits with a parent or legal guardian who is an active duty member of the military who
has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or is immediately returned from deployment to a
combat zone or combat support posting, with permission of the superintendent or designee; or
serious personal/family problems. Satisfaction of attendance requirements for each class shall be
a prerequisite for receiving credit toward graduation.
Missing four (4) periods in the same class shall result in notification of the parents by letter. In
addition to the dates missed the parent will be reminded that a conference will be expected if the
student misses six (6) classes. Missing six (6) classes results in a letter being sent to the parent
requiring a conference to discuss the absentee problem within seven (7) calendar days of the sixth
absence. Missing seven (7) classes results in a third letter to parents warning them that the eighth
absence will result in failure to earn semester credit and the superintendent will be notified. Except
in certain situations with foster care children in accordance with law, if the student misses eight (8)
classes in one (1) semester the parents will be notified that the student will not be able to count that
class toward district graduation requirements, provided notice of their right to appeal and
information about the appeal hearing process. Failure to meet with the Herculaneum High School
Attendance Review Committee (HHSARC) within seven (7) calendar days, following receipt of
written notice of the failure to earn credit and notice of appeal process, the failure to earn credit shall
become permanent.
HHSARC composed of at least one (1) teacher, one (1) counselor, one (1) administrator and one (1)
Board member will review the specific conditions relating to each individual who fails to earn credit.
The HHSARC may take action as deemed necessary.
The notice of the appeals process shall inform the parents and student of the right to appear before
the HHSARC, the time, date and place of the hearing, and the fact that the failure to earn credit will
become permanent unless the parent or student appears at the hearing and shows cause why all of
the absences should be excused. Upon proof of inability to attend the hearing, the hearing may be
rescheduled to accommodate the parent and student. Upon failure to attend the hearing, the juvenile
authorities may be notified and the Board of Education shall be notified.
Extenuating circumstances such as chronic illness, hospitalization or death in the family will be
cause for consideration in extending the limit of allowed absences, subject to approval by HHSARC.
Following a hearing before the HHSARC, the student and parents may utilize the student grievance
procedure to appeal the decision of the committee directly to the Board of Education. The appeal
shall be in writing, delivered to the offices of the Board or to the superintendent. If an appeal is
taken, the Board shall schedule a hearing and give notice of the date, time and place of the hearing
to the parent and student. The student and parents may be represented by counsel at the parent's
expense and may produce evidence and examine and cross-examine witnesses. The Board of
Education may let the decision of the committee stand, or may reverse the committee's decision if
it finds that the absences should be excused. Notice of the Board’s decision shall be given in writing
within a reasonable time following the hearing.
School-sponsored or school-sanctioned activities for which the student has been properly excused
are exempted from and will not pertain to this policy.
Absence or tardiness due to the failure of a bus to make its regular run do not pertain to this policy;
however, absence or tardiness due to individual transportation problems do.
Any student who arrives at class 25 or more minutes late is considered absent from that class.
The student who is suspended out of school for a disciplinary reason will not have that number of
days charged against the total of eight (8) provided in this policy.
Activities Restrictions
Students are not eligible to participate in or attend school activities if they were not in attendance for
at least four (4) hours on the day of the activity. This does not apply when the reason for the absence
was an approved school activity.
Tardies
A tardy is defined as not being in the normally assigned place in the classroom and ready to begin
work when the tardy bell rings. Tardies are on a per quarter basis.
On the fourth unexcused tardy, the student will be sent to the office and spend 45 minutes in after-school detention. On the fifth unexcused tardy, the student will serve one (1) Saturday detention,
and on the sixth unexcused tardy the student will serve two (2) Saturday detentions.
It is the responsibility of the student to make arrangements with the principal or assistant principal
and his/her parents regarding staying after school. Failure to make up this time can subject the
student to suspension from school.
Make-Up Opportunities
When a student is absent from school, make-up work is the responsibility of the student.
* * * * * * *
Note: The reader is encouraged to review policies and/or forms for related information in this
administrative area.
Implemented: 09/15/1996
Revised: 11/19/2007; 04/19/2010
MSIP Refs: 6.3, 6.5, 7.7, 8.6, 8.7, 9.6
Dunklin R-5 School District, Herculaneum, Missouri
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