Attendance
Regular attendance at school is necessary for each child in order for students to receive the maximum benefit from the school program. Children should be in school at all times except in the case of illness, medical or dental appointments, family emergency or certain religious holidays. When a child is absent from school, he/she must bring a note written by parent or guardian (or doctor for an appointment), stating dates and reasons for the absence. These notes are to be given to the child's teacher.
School begins at 8:20 a.m. Our school hours are 8:20 AM to 2:50 PM. It is important that children arrive at school on time! When a child arrives late and misses an important lesson, it is very difficult, if not impossible, to make it up. If a child arrives at school after school begins, he/she should report to the office with his/her parent, where the attendance report will be changed from absent to tardy.
If your child frequently develops a stomachache or is nauseated before going to school, and then becomes well later in the morning, you should be on the alert. If this pattern continues, please come in and see us; more than likely there is a problem which needs to be addressed. If your child is not feeling well and would be better off in bed, please don't send him/her to school.
The Charles County Board of Education adopted an attendance policy which has been in effect since September, 1985. The policy emphasizes consistent monitoring of absences, increased parent involvement in attendance matters and improved student attendance.
The attendance policy is as follows:
1. Parents will be expected to give written excuses to the school for the purpose of coding absences.
2. The school will take specific steps to monitor absences. They are:
a. After 5 absences, the school will notify the parents by letter stating the system-wide requirements.
b. After 10 absences, a letter will be issued informing the parents that the case will be referred to the Administration; the Vice Principal and/or Principal will contact the parent by phone or schedule to meet the parent and student to develop a plan to improve attendance.
c. After 15 absences, a letter will be issued to the parent and the student's case will be referred to the school's pupil personnel worker and the plan will be reviewed and an attendance contract will be developed.
d. After 20 absences, the student and parents will attend a hearing held at the Board of Education and the hearing officer and the parent will be informed that the case may be referred to the State Attorney's Office for review.
3. Exceptions to this policy would be granted to students on home teaching, students enrolled in the Chronically Health Impaired Program (CHIP) or those who have a medical excuse written by a doctor. The Charles County Board of Education shall require students to attend schools in their geographical attendance zone. The request for the transfer of a student to another school must meet the regulations of the superintendent.
Parents are encouraged to maintain up-to-date information regarding residency and/or health issues pertaining to their child. Mrs. Penny (Attendance Secretary) should be notified of any changes. dpenny@ccboe.com |
