Attendance
There is a high correlation between attendance and academic success. It is the expectation of Estrella High School that students understand this correlation and commit to attending class and completing all coursework. According to Arizona State Law, a student whose absences exceed 10% of expected number of attendance days is considered excessive. If a student misses ten consecutive days, then s/he is dropped from school (or class) and must re-enroll in Estrella. Maintaining your schedule is not guaranteed.
If a student is anticipating being absent, or if an illness or emergency occurs that keeps the student from attending school, the parent or guardian must contact the school and explain the absence. In order for an absence to be excused, communication must come from the listed parent or guardian or adult student; documentation is recommended. Absences will be excused for the following reasons: illness, doctor appointment, bereavement, family emergencies, and out of school suspensions not to exceed 10 percent of the instructional days scheduled for the school year. The note will be placed in the student’s file. If an extended absence should occur, the student must arrange a meeting with parents and teachers to discuss the coursework and class time missed prior to returning to school. All unscheduled absences are encouraged to be phoned into the office on the day of the absence.
If a student is anticipating being absent, or if an illness or emergency occurs that keeps the student from attending school, the parent or guardian must contact the school and explain the absence. In order for an absence to be excused, communication must come from the listed parent or guardian or adult student; documentation is recommended. Absences will be excused for the following reasons: illness, doctor appointment, bereavement, family emergencies, and out of school suspensions not to exceed 10 percent of the instructional days scheduled for the school year. The note will be placed in the student’s file. If an extended absence should occur, the student must arrange a meeting with parents and teachers to discuss the coursework and class time missed prior to returning to school. All unscheduled absences are encouraged to be phoned into the office on the day of the absence.
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Tardy Policy
Tardies may be counted by the teacher as unexcused time from class and may count against the student for their final grade or Demonstration of Mastery qualification. The teacher may request attendance at Focus Friday. Excessive tardies may be tracked and additional steps, such as a change in schedule, may be taken. Focus Friday Fridays are designed to support the academic success of our students. Teachers may request students to attend Focus Friday in order to address academic concerns or growth opportunities for students. Students who attend Focus Friday are not required to attend every session. However, a student who attends will be checked out by a staff member to ensure they are passing all of their classes. If a student is struggling in a class and they have not spent a session with that teacher, they will be asked to remain on campus in order to address their performance. |
Medical and Bereavement Policy
In some cases, modifications will be made for health and bereavement issues through an Administrator. Medical/Bereavement issues do not count against the four day absence policy, however, except in some extreme circumstances, students must still make up time and work. Routine medical appointments and court appearances (except in rare instances) are NOT considered excusable absences. Health and bereavement falls into the following areas: 1. Death in the immediate family (a parent/guardian, grandparent, or sibling only) 2. Illness with medical documentation. 3. Prior arrangements between the administrative team and the family before the absences occur. |
