Absence Instructions
Valier School District
STUDENTS 3122P
1. ATTENDANCE POLICY
This attendance criteria is based on the theory that prompt and regular attendance in school is the beginning of dependability in adult business, personal, and social life. Furthermore, regular attendance is important, because valuable skills and information gained in the classroom may or may not show up on tests or be reflected in an academic grade. The general welfare of all students is best served by regular attendance.
Absences that WILL NOT be used in calculating the attendance record are:
Those that occur due to school-sponsored activities, since these are considered an equivalent educational experience. These exemptions will apply to students participating in sports events, cheerleading, music-related events, FFA trips, academic field trips, and others deemed co-curricular as approved by the Board.
A temporary absence resulting from an emergency, surgery, or death in the immediate family.
Subpoenas to appear in court or court-ordered, out-of-District placements for special services. A juvenile court proceeding documented by a probation officer.
Illness or hospitalization verified by a doctor’s statement.
Religious instruction, up to two (2) hours per week.
An absence required by state or local welfare authorities.
A family emergency or unforeseen or unavoidable instance requiring immediate attention.
An approved absence while engaged in an organized educational program not connected with the school. (Ex. 4-H when those students must be absent to advance in competition).
Medical absences must be documented by a doctor’s note within 72 hours of the absence. Documentation must be submitted to the building secretary.
Absences which will be counted in the open campus and eligibility rule will include such areas as: family trips, work days, vacations, visiting friends or relatives, suspension in and out of school, watching tournaments when not an actual participant, hair, medical, dental, or photography appointments, skiing, hunting, attending concerts, shopping, or any others not mentioned which are unacceptable to the Superintendent.
2. TARDIES
Students who are late to class will be recorded as tardy by the classroom teacher. Students are allowed no more than three tardies total per quarter. For every tardy above the limit, students will be given lunch detention on the next available school day. Tardies during 1st Hour class will be marked as an absence after 8:30am.
2. ATTENDANCE CONSEQUENCES
High School Open Campus
Any high school student missing 10 days of school or 10 periods of a class during any one (1) semester will forfeit open campus privileges. This consequence can be appealed to the Board to make the final determination. The appeal must be made within sixty (60) days from the end of the semester.
Athletic and Activity Eligibility
A student is considered absent and unable to participate in extracurricular activities if they are marked absent for any period of the school day, with the exception of a documented medical excuse. Any student arriving at school after 8:30am will be marked absent for the first period. If a student is absent on Friday, they will be unable to participate in activities held on the weekend.
3. TRUANCY
When a student is absent and either the parent or school is unaware of the reason for the absence or the student is in violation of the open campus rule, the student is considered to be truant. The following are the consequences for truancy:
First instance – zeroes for all classes missed day. Parents will be notified and an office referral will be filed in Infinite Campus and placed in the students permanent record.
Second instance – zeroes for classes and work missed. Minimum two-day out-of-school suspension. Students will be referred to juvenile authorities. Parents will be notified and an office referral will be filed in Infinite Campus and placed in the students permanent record.
Third instance – zeroes for all classes and work missed. Five-day out-of-school suspension. Follow up with juvenile authorities. Parents will be notified and an office referral will be filed in Infinite Campus and placed in the students permanent record.
Fourth instance – The student will be suspended for ten days and a recommendation will be made to the school board for expulsion.
4. MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS
It is the responsibility of students to check in with their teachers regarding make-up work after an absence. The student is allowed to make up work as follows: Two days for the first day absent and one day for each additional day of continuous absence. Students will be given a make-up work form by the office to complete when returning from an absence. Late work will note be accepted beyond the due date on the absence form. .
Student Absence Instructions
If your child or children will be absent for any reason, please notify the office ahead of time if it is a planned absence.
In case of illness, please notify the office by 8:00am.
Student absences for grades K-7, please e-mail Mrs. Mom at momchilovichl@valier.k12.mt.us with the child's name and reason for absence so that it can be documented correctly. Calling the school is also an option if e-mailing is not possible: 406-279-3314
Student absences for grades 8-12, please e-mail Mrs. Bridge at bridgen@valier.k12.mt.us with the child's name and reason for absence so that it can be documented correctly. Calling the school is also an option if e-mailing is not possible: 406-279-3613