The administration, teachers, attendance clerks and other school staff will work closely with parents and/or guardians to establish regular attendance for all students.

Regular participation in classroom activities fosters critical thinking, communication skills, and responsibility, all of which are essential skills for future employment. Good attendance in school is also part of the self-discipline that we try to instill in our students to enable them to act as responsible members of the community.

WHEN ABSENT FROM SCHOOL

- The parent/guardian are expected to call, send a note or email to the school on or before the day(s) of the absence. To report absences or tardiness please notify the Attendance Office at:

520-225-4302

between 7:00 and 10:00 AM on the morning of the absence or upon their return, send a note that includes the students full name, date of birth, and reason for absence.

- In high school, if it is impossible to notify the school prior to the absence, the school must receive notice within 48 hours after the student returns to school; otherwise, it will be considered unexcused.

- State law mandates that the school record reasons for all students absences; therefore, all messages must include parent name, student name, date, time and reason for absence.

- All absences not authorized and verified by the parents/guardian will be unexcused.

MINIMUM ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS

The high school attendance requirement states, in part, that to be granted academic credit for any course, a student must earn a passing grade in the course. Attendance in the classroom, group activities, participating in discussions, labs, etc. can improve a student's ability to earn his/her desired grade.

NOTIFICATION SEQUENCE

* The notification process pertains to the number of absences in a single course. A student may be notified several different times if excessive absences exist in more than one class.

* The school must notify the Dropout Prevention Specialist after the 3rd unexcused absence to begin the intervention process.

* After 3rd, 6th, and 10th absence (excused or unexcused), the high school administration will send written notification to the student's parents/guardians, Dropout Prevention Specialist and Guidance Counselor.

* The letters shall notify the parents/guardians as follows.

After the 3rd absence: The student needs to be aware that attendance may have an impact on their grade. TUSD Truancy Enforcement will be notified if the absences are unexcused.

After the 6th absence: The student has been absent nearly half the number of maximum absences and may lose credit if absences continue. The Parents/Guardians and Teacher/Counselor/Administrator may need to conduct a conference to develop an intervention plan.

After the 10th absence: The student may not receive credit due to excessive absenteeism, pending appeal. Administrator/Teacher/Counselor/Dropout Prevention Specialist will convene a conference.

Please be aware: Pursuant to A.R.S. 15-802(E), parents who do not ensure their child (ren) between the ages of 6 - 16 regularly attend school may be held criminally liable.

CONSEQUENCES OF EXCESSIVE ABSENTEEISM

* Make-up work will be assigned as applicable.
* Additional time may be required (i.e. before or after school.
* Excessive absences may impact student grades.
* Unexcused absences may include referral to a truancy officer and criminal liability.
* Poor attendance will affect extracurricular eligibility.

All parent/guardian contacts and interventions are documented.

APPEALS PROCESS FOR ATTENDANCE ISSUES

Parents/Guardians or students have the right to file a written appeal for review by the Appeals Committee at the school. The written appeal, including all supporting documentation, must be received by the building principal within ten days of the end of the credit period. Any further absence during the appeals process may result in dismissal of appeal and loss of credit.

Appeals Committee will consider granting credit when:
* Absences are reduced and the student remains in class.
* Homework is being completed in a timely manner.
* Grades reflect that the student has met the requirements of the course.
* Other areas may need to be considered.

If the result of the class ends with failing final grade the student/parent may appeal the failing grade to the Governing Board. (Promotion, Retention, Acceleration Regulation IKE-R Appeal Process)

Attendance Appeals Form
Credit Recovery Options
Opciones Para Recobro De Creditos

DOCTOR/DENTAL APPOINTMENTS

Students must present a note from the parent/guardian (including full name and date of birth) to the Attendance Office in order to be excused for the appointment. Please state how and with whom the student is to travel to the appointment. The student will be issued a special excuse that will indicate the appropriate time that the student must leave class.

We will only accept notes written by the parents/guardians from students. We will not accept telephone calls for appointments.

Notes regarding appointments will be accepted before school, during lunch and after school. Often we are informed by students of doctor, dental or court appointments. We cannot release these students unless we have parent/guardian permission in the form of a note or other parent contact.