WSHS Freshman Handbook 2006

Excused Absences

When a student is absent, it is the responsibility of the parent to call the attendance office that day to give the reason for the absence.   Parents can utilize the 24-hour direct line, (703) 913-3838.  If a phone call is not make on the day of the absence, the parent must call the next day or have the student bring a parent note to the attendance office by 7:30 a.m. the next day.  Absences not called in within two days will automatically change to unexcused.  Calls are make to confirm notes, so parents/guardians who are difficult to contact due to the nature of their job are encouraged to call (703) 913-3838.  For clarification, excused absences are limited to the following:

•    illness of a student    
•    death in the family
•    medical or dental appointment
•    observance of religious holidays
•    suspensions (in most cases)
•    approved pre-arranged absence
•    other reasons must be approved by the grade level administrator

Students who are seen on school grounds on the day of an excused absence will have their absence changed to unexcused.  If a student must be on school grounds the day of an excused absence, the student should call the Attendance Office before coming to campus and check in there immediately upon arrival.

Parents may request a print-out of their child’s attendance by calling the Attendance Office, 703-913-3.



Check-In
Students arriving at school any time after 7:30 a.m. must check in through the Attendance Office immediately upon arrival, including break and lunch times.  They will receive a check-in pass.  Students must bring a note signed by the parent/guardian, or have the parent/guardian call the 24 hour attendance number, (703) 913-3838, stating the student’s full name, reason for tardiness, probable time of arrival, and date.  For clarification, car trouble, missed bus, pupil placement transportation problems, and oversleeping are not excused.  Students who do not check in will not be excused for the class they missed.

Check-Out
Students are not to leave the school grounds for any reason during the school day, including lunch periods, without a check-out pass from the Attendance Office.  Passes will be available for pick-up in the Attendance Office after a parent/guardian has phoned the Attendance Office stating the time and reason for dismissal or a volunteer has contacted a parent by phone to confirm a written note requesting early dismissal.  Due to limited staff, passes cannot be delivered to classrooms.  When writing a note, please include the student’s full name, reason for and time of dismissal and a pone number where the parent can be reached during the day.  Students who do not follow these check-out procedures will receive an unexcused absence for the classes they miss.


Pre-Arranged Absences

If an absence is planned, such as family trips, college visits, retirement ceremonies, etc., the students must bring a note, stating the date and reason for the absence, to the Attendance Office prior to the absence.  The student will be given a form for all teachers to sign.  Parents are to read the teachers’ comments and also sign the form.  The completed form must be returned toe the Attendance Office prior to the date of the absence.  Pre-arranged absences during final exams will be carefully scrutinized.

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Created by Nancy Spinosa & Marilyn Cohen 9/14/2006
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