Gila Ridge High School Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy and Regulations

A student is expected to attend all class periods in all classes in a semester. The primary responsibility for school attendance rests with parents and students. Students need to be in attendance on a daily basis to receive credit. Lectures, class discussions, guided practice, student participation, and teacher follow-up are essential.

The grade earned for a class is based upon successful achievement of course objectives as defined by the district and determined by the instructor. A credit is earned by successful achievement of coursework with a passing grade and regular attendance each semester

There is no substitute for the student being in the classroom, (excerpt from YUHSD Parent Handbook).

Documentation of Absences

Since absences do occur, procedures are in place for parents to notify the school regarding student absences and for students to make up the absences which exceed five in any class during any semester.

Parents are encouraged to call in, but should realize that a phone call does not absolve the student of the responsibility to make up the absence once the absences exceed five. Students are held accountable for all absences.

Student health problems, which cause absences beyond the five per class, per semester, require medical certification. Acceptable documentation includes:

• A medical doctor's note or an office visit receipt
• An orthodontist/dentist's note or an office visit receipt
• Absences excused through the school health office
• Chronic illnesses: medical waiver forms are available through the school nurse. Students who have medical waiver forms on file must provide the nurse's office with appropriate documentation immediately upon returning to school, as well as notifying the attendance office.

Medical certification should be turned in when the student returns to school. Upon administrative review of the documentation, a student may be excused from attendance make up requirements. A prescription or appointment card is not adequate documentation to excuse absences.

Other absences for which proof is required that may be waived include, but are not limited to:

• A death in family (obituary, funeral home card, etc.)
• Student court appearances, if not defendant (copy of court documents or subpoena)
• Military appointments (orders, travel forms)
• College visits/interviews (valid, dated proof of visit)

 Attendance Guidelines for Parents

• The five days that students are allowed without penalty are meant for illness or other unforseen, legitimate, parent permitted absences that would not qualify for administrative review. If your teenager is out more than five days in a semester for illness, take him/her to a doctor.
• If your teenager is home from school with your permission, call our attendance office at (928) 502-6408 so that we can let teachers know he/she is not truant (remember that a parent phone call does not waive the absence).
• Submit documentation for administrative review immediately after the absence. Remind your teenagers to take medical and dental verification to the health office the day they return to school.
• The automated calling system will call your home after 4:00 p.m. any day that your student is absent for one or more class periods. It will inform you of your son or daughter’s absence regardless of the reason. Please disregard the call if you are aware that your child was excused for a field trip, athletic event, activity, or if you called in the absence.
• Be prepared to attend school with your teenager if he/she is truant or ditching. This shows how important his/her education is to you. Students are considered truant when they chronically miss school without parent permission.
• Make sure your teenager attends Make-up School following the sixth unwaived absence.

Attendance Make-Up School

If a student must make up time due to unwaived absences, the following dates have been designated as “Attendance Make-Up School” dates.

Semester 1 Dates

Wednesdays	Saturdays
10/17/12	10/20/12
10/31/12	10/27/12
11/07/12	11/03/12
11/14/12	11/17/12
11/28/12	12/01/12
12/05/12	12/08/12
	12/15/12

Semester 1 Times

Wednesdays	Saturdays
2:45-3:30	8:00-8:45
3:35-4:20	8:50-9:35
4:25-5:10	9:40-10:25
	10:30-11:15
	11:20-12:05
	12:10-12:55
	1:00-1:45

All make-up sessions are held in the GRHS student dining room. Transportation is the students’ and parents’ responsibility.

• Students must present a photo ID and must be on time to be admitted to make-up school.
• Students must be prepared with homework or reading material.
• Students who do not comply with rules and directions given at make-up school may be dismissed at the supervisor’s discretion with no credit.

Tardy Policy

Students that receive their fifth tardy will adhere to the following consequences:

1st Offense: one hour detention; parent notified
2nd Offense: two hour detention; parent notified
3rd Offense: one day suspension; parent notified
4th Offense: three day suspension; parent notified
5th Offense: five day suspension; parent notified
6th Offense: Long Term Suspension

Refer to page 4 of the YUHSD Student Handbook.