Attendance Philosophy
1. We believe that regular daily class attendance is essential for a student success at Churchill High School.

2. We believe the benefits of regular on-time class attendance include the acquisition of knowledge and skills, the development of positive attitudes and behaviors, progress toward graduation and post-high school opportunities.

3. We believe that each student has the responsibility to attend all scheduled classes. This responsibility is supported by the parent or guardian at home and by teachers, Counselors, and Administrators at school.

Responsibility for Attendance
a) Students and parents are responsible for school attendance. Excessive absences may result in loss of credit and/or grades, removal from class (es), and even removal from school.

b) Excellent attendance is necessary for successful performance in the classroom. Students are responsible for clearing absences in on of two methods:

i. When students are absent parents/guardians are asked to call the Attendance Office at 687-3424. A call is especially important if the student is expected to be absent for more than two days.

ii. If a call has not been made, when the student returns to school he/she should bring a note to verify the absence. After the note is received by the Attendance Office, the student will take the Readmit Slip to their teachers to verify the reason for the absence. Students have only two days after returning to school in which to bring a note verifying the reason for the absence. After the two day limit, parents must contact an Administrator to have the absence excused. A student may be suspended for up to five day if involved in forging a note.

iii. Parents may not excuse absences for students who are at school and supposed to be in class.

iv. Students absent from class without permission (i.e. unexcused or truant) May be required to complete makeup work in order to remain current in the class, but may not receive credit for that work or any other assignments done in that class or due that next day.

v. The school may issue disciplinary action for unexcused absences in an effort to correct attendance problems and strongly encourage the student to attend classes as scheduled.

Definitions
Attendance will be taken in each class. An absence is defined as missing a class altogether, or arriving more than 10 minutes late to class or leaving class for more than 10 minutes. Further, for every two tardies (missing class but for 10 minutes or less) in any class, the student will be charged with one unexcused absence. For the purpose of compiling the seven absences described below, prearranged absences (such as vacations) do count in the total, but school-related absences (such as field trips, in-school counseling appointments, special school programs or school activities) do not count in the total. Absences are classified as excused or unexcused. Absences due to illness, preplanned medical or dental appointments, medical or dental emergencies, school activities, or family crisis are considered excused.

Procedures
4. Parents will be contacted either in person or by voice mail for all absences.

5. When a student accumulates:
a) Four excused or unexcused absence per semester in a class, a phone call and/or a loss of credit warning letter will be mailed home by the Attendance Office to notify the parent.
b) Seven (7) excused or unexcused absences in a class per semester, the Attendance Office will issue a loss of credit notice to the student and once again contact the parent/guardian by phone and/or mail. After receiving the loss of credit notice, the student may choose to appeal the loss of credit. If the student loses credit in the class, he/she will remain in the class for continued learning as appropriate. If, in the teacher’s professional judgment, the student is actively working to learn, he/she will receive an N (no pass) grade rather than an

6. Appeal Procedures: If the students absences have occurred as a result of extenuating circumstance,, such as serious/lengthy illness or personal crisis, the student may request reinstatement/credit by following these steps:
a) The student and/or parent may obtain an appeal form from the Attendance Office the last two weeks of the semester. Then the student should make an appointment to discuss the appeal with his/her counselor. If the counselor approves, the student would then request that the teacher approve the appeal and, lastly, request that the Administrator approve the appeal. IF the appeal is approved by the Counselor, teacher and Administrator, the student turns the form in to the Attendance Office.
b) If the appeal is denied, the student and/or parent may request that the appeal be referred to the Attendance Review Committee in the Attendance Office within five school days of receiving notification of a denied appeal.
c) The student must schedule an appointment with the Attendance Review Committee in the Attendance Office within five school days of receiving notification of a denied appeal.
d) The student must appear before the Attendance Review Committee at the appointment time to account for all absences and explain extenuation circumstances(10 min. presentation limit). Parental attendance is expected.
Following the Hearing:
e) The attendance Review committee will notify students of their decision within three school days.
f) The dicision's of the Attendance Review Committee may be appealed to the Principal
g) If the loss of credit is appealed and denied, the student is expected to remain in the class. By remaining in the class working to complete the course requirements, the student may earn an N rather than an F.

Note: The Attendance Review Committee consists of: One teacher, one Counselor, one Administrator and the Attendance Secretary.