Oakton High School

STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY
(Based on Fairfax County Public Schools' Policies and Regulations.)

Phone Number: (703) 319-2780 or (703) 319-2727
Fax Number: (703) 319-2708
9^th and 10^th Grade Level Office – Burgundy
11 th and 12 th Grade Level Office – Gold

A major contributor to your success is for you be present and on time to all of your classes. Our automated attendance system will aid you, your parents, teachers, and administrators in closely monitoring your attendance. By becoming aware and accountable, you will be able to improve academic performance by improving attendance.

It is the responsibility of your parent/guardian to notify the school if you are not present. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class period.

EXCUSED ABSENCES/TARDIES

For purposes of credit and grading, reasons for excused absences include: illness of the student, late buses, death in the family, doctor or dentist appointment, observance of a religious holiday, suspension except for certain violations as provided in Regulation 2601P, or another reason acceptable to the principal or his or her designee. Please note that the principal may require a physician’s note in cases of chronic or long-term illness. Parents and students are encouraged to prearrange excused absences when possible. (FCPS Reg. 2234)

UNEXCUSED ABSENCES/TARDIES/SKIPPING CLASS

Reasons for unexcused absences may include family and /or student vacations, child care situations, non-school related activities, missed school bus, most cases that involve private transportation, or other reasons unacceptable to the principal or his or her designee. Skipping class may result in Saturday School, loss of parking permit, or suspension.

TARDY TO CLASS

All students who enter the classroom after the bell, without a pass, will be marked as unexcused tardy. Three unexcused tardies will equal one unexcused absence.

ACCUMULATED UNEXCUSED ABSENCES/UNEXCUSED TARDIES

"On the third unexcused absence in the same quarter, you shall forfeit credit (receive an F) for the quarter for the class/classes missed." (FCPS Reg. 2234)

PHONE IN INSTRUCTIONS:

State the following:

Student’s first and last name and spell slowly
Grade level
Reason for absence
Parent/Guardian home/work phone number for verification

NOTE FROM PARENT/GUARDIAN INSTRUCTIONS:

Your note from your parent/guardianto the grade level officeshould include the following:

Student's full name
The date of absence
Detailed reason for absence/tardy 6. Parent/Guardian Signature
Time if checking in or out
Phone number for verification – home/office

This note must be presented within three days of your return to school. If you fail to present a note or call the school within this time period, the absence(s) will remain unexcused.

IF YOU WILL BE ABSENT YOU SHOULD:

Have your parent call the attendance phone number EACH DAY you will not be attending school.
There is a THREE-DAY limit to clear an absence after which the absence remains unexcused.
Upon your return, please have a written note from your parent as to the nature of your absence.

IF YOU ARRIVE LATE TO SCHOOL:

We do not accept phone messages for late arrivals.

If you arrive after the tardy bell at 7:20, but before 7:30, you are to report directly to your first block class.
If you arrive after 7:30 you will need to report to your grade level office with a note (see below) from parent/guardian, sign in, and receive a late pass to class. Please refer to excused and unexcused reasons for tardiness below. A doctor or dentist note is required for students arriving late due to appointments.
You must sign in at the grade level office if you arrive after 7:30 AM.

IF YOU NEED TO CHECK OUT OF SCHOOL EARLY YOU SHOULD:

Bring a note from your parent/guardian to the grade level officeprior to 7:15 a.m.
Only valid reasons listed under excused absences will be accepted.
A pass will be issued to the student to be released from class.
Because we are responsible for student’s whereabouts during the school day, prior to leaving the building, every student MUST SIGN OUT through the Main Office. If students do not sign out prior to leaving school grounds, disciplinary actions will follow.
Because of the number of calls we handle throughout the day, we cannot accept phone calls to dismiss your child early for appointments.

IF YOU NEED TO PREARRANGE AN ABSENCE YOU SHOULD:

Send a note from your parent/guardian to the grade level office ONE WEEK (five school days) prior to the first day of the absence with the following:
The approved note will be attached to a prearranged absence form that your child must carry to each teacher for signature and assignments.
You must return the completed form to the grade level office.

EXCUSED PREARRANGED ABSENCES

Valid reasons include : college visits, religious holidays, planned hospitalization and required family trips (maximum of three days per year). Family trips lasting more than three days must be approved by the grade level administrator at least five days prior to the absences. These absences may result in unexcused absences.