Couch R-I Student Handbook

Attendance Requirements for Course Credit

Punctual attendance is both a sign of respect toward both the teacher and the other students in the classroom; it is also part of a student’s accountability toward his/her studies. Punctual attendance is important – and not attending punctually (or being tardy) is not only discouraged, it is a violation of school policy that can’t be ignored nor tolerated. When a student is tardy to class he/she will be sent to the principal to obtain a slip to be admitted to class. Students who arrive at school any time after the first period begins, including between periods, shall report to the principal’s office and obtain an admit slip.

For attendance purposes, 4 tardies per quarter equal 1 absence.

Students who have more than four unexcused absences in any given semester must make up the time during After School tutoring. Absences will be made up on an hourly basis; if a student has five absences in one or more periods, he/she will spend one hour per period in After School Tutoring. Attendance make-up hours will not accumulate and cannot be made up in advance of the absence. (Principal may allow for extenuating circumstances.) Attendance hours must be made up outside the regular school hours.

Excused absences will be granted for:

• Personal illnesses or injury of a student with written confirmation by the medical provider. (A doctor’s statement, specifying the dates and times excused from school. Physician’s notes must be received by the principal or the high school office within two days of being absent. If notes are not turned in during this time frame, absences will be considered unexcused.)
• Medical and dental appointments with written confirmation from the medical provider. (A doctor’s statement, specifying the dates and times excused from school. Physician’s notes must be received by the principal or the high school office within two days of being absent. If notes are not turned in during this time frame, absences will be considered unexcused.)
• Death and/or funeral of family members with written confirmation by the parent. Each student will receive 3 bereavement days. (Written documentation must be provided to the high school office within two days of the absence. If notes are not turned in during this time frame, absences will be considered unexcused.)
• Verified court appointments or related court-ordered activity. (Written documentation must be provided to the high school office within two days of the absent. If notes are not turned in during this time frame, absences will be considered unexcused.)
• The school nurse may excuse a student for the remainder of the school day.

Perfect attendance shall be awarded to students missing no more than a total of three hours of school for the entire school year.

A student is responsible for homework and tests assigned prior to a planned absence or school trip. A student is responsible for taking the test and having this homework completed the first day returning to school. On unplanned absences, students have one day for each day missed plus two additional days to turn in homework. It is the student’s responsibility to ask for the homework missed and to complete it and turn it back in to the teacher within the required time frame.

This policy shall be in effect so that Couch High School can best educate the student. There is a high correlation between attendance and success in school. Parents have the responsibility to decide times and reasons a student should not come to school, but it is the school’s responsibility to set limits on these times so that the student will receive a quality education.

Perfect attendance will be awarded to those students missing no more than three total hours for the entire school year. Students with make-up hours will not be able to attend trips or participate in extracurricular activities, including sports, until make up hours are completed.

Labels: Academics & Career Readiness

Last Updated Wednesday, July 24, 2024