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Attendance policies

Thermopolis High School

PHILOSOPHY:  We believe that student attendance is an essential ingredient in student success.  Hot Springs County High School, takes the responsibility to provide the best possible educational program in a supportive and challenging learning environment.  Each HSCHS student must take responsibility for his/her attendance and participation in this educational program.  Regular attendance is vitally important to each student.  It can directly affect his/her progress academically and the development of attitudes and habits for later life.  The more absences a student accumulates, the less he/she can adequately participate in and understand classroom activities.  Learning to regularly attend and to be on time is a goal which will help students be successful beyond high school. 

GENERAL ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES:

To successfully complete a class and receive credit, a student must:  a) satisfactorily complete and pass class requirements; b) have satisfactory attendance as defined by HSCSD #1 Board policy.

Any student leaving school during school hours must be excused with either a parental note or phone call.  The student must check out in the attendance office before leaving and upon return.  Passes will be given for admittance into your classes following any absence.

ATTENDANCE INFORMATION

Of equal importance is the development and practice of dependability and punctuality -–two essential skills in the world of work.  Most important, though, is the need to attend in order to learn from both teachers and classmates.  At Hot Springs County High School, students are expected to be in school each day school is in session.

Students missing more than eight days of any class during one semester will not be able to earn credit in that class for that semester.  School sponsored activities are the ONLY exception.  At Hot Springs County High School, attendance is taken and kept on a period-by-period system and credit is granted on a per class basis. 

ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

1. After five absences in any class the student will be notified.
2. After the seventh absence in any class, the Attendance Officer will notify the parent by phone.
3. On the ninth absence, the student will be unable to earn credit in those classes.  Parents may the Attendance Board if they feel extenuating circumstances warrant a review.  Extenuating circumstances include extended illness or injury, legal obligations, or death in the family.  The attendance board shall consist of the Principal, Counselor, Attendance Officer, and School nurse if medical reasons are involved.  If the student is eligible for credit reinstatement, an appeal form will be sent home by the Attendance Officer.  It will be the parent/student responsibility to complete the form and return to the attendance office before the end of the semester.   Upon approval or denial of the appeal, the Attendance Officer will notify the parent of the Board’s decision.  If the student has been truant any time during the semester, they waive their right to an appeal, and will receive a no credit.

OUTCOMES OF THE APPEAL WILL BE EITHER:

1. Reinstatement of the credit and the student will be subject to an attendance contract for the remainder of the semester; or
2. Recommendation for loss of credit.
   1. The student may remain in class without credit or an alternative placement will be found.
   2. If a student loses credit in several classes, they may be asked to withdraw or be recommended for expulsion for the rest of the semester.  This is considered "Failure to progress".

3. TARDIES:  Tardies will be handled at the discretion of classroom rules.  Anything beyond 5 minutes is considered an absence.

   • TRUANCY: Truancy is being absent from an assigned area at an assigned time and includes absences not excused by parent/guardian.    Students who are assigned closed campus must be in the assigned area – if not, it will be considered a truancy.  and/or initiate expulsion proceedings to have the student expelled for the remainder of the semester or school year.

    

   PARENT/STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES:

4. Parents are requested to call the school 864-6531 on the day of the absence.
5. If unable to call, a note from the parent must accompany the student upon returning to school.  The note must be turned into the attendance office no later than 8:30 a.m.
6. If the absence is not excused by the above, it will be handled as a truancy .
7. Students must check out in the attendance office before leaving school grounds.  The absence will be considered a truancy if the proper procedure is not followed.
8. This could affect eligibility for extra-curricular activities.