School Success Begins with Attendance
ATTENDANCE
Absence and tardies
A parent or guardian may clear an absence by calling our absence line (317-5300)
and pressing “3” at the recording. If a student is absent, please phone the office on
that same day.
Another way to clear an absence, is to bring a note from the parent or guardian that
includes the following information: name of student, date of absence, reason for
absence and signature of parent/guardian. The parent or guardian must make every
effort to clear the absence on or before the day the student returns to school.
Students are expected to be at school ON TIME each day as being late to school impacts your
student's learning progress and student achievement and the learning of others.
Parents and guardians will be notified when their
child exhibits chronic tardiness (truancy) and appropriate consequences will be enforced.
Three or more unexcused absences and/or tardies may result in the parent or guardian being scheduled
for one of the monthly H.A.R.T. (Hillside Attendance Review Team) meeting with school and district
administration. More severe attendance problems will be referred to the Child Welfare
Attendance Office for a S.A.R.B. (School Attendance Review Board) hearing.
Parents and Guardians are urged to request an Independent Study Contract when a
student will miss 5 days of school or more due to an extended illness. The contract
will list the assignment(s) the student must complete due to the absence. Parents/
guardians are responsible for verifying that assignments are completed and
returned to the teacher on the agreed upon date of return to school. With an
independent study contract, absences are recorded as excused, the school verifies
positive attendance, and your child’s attendance record does not reflect unexcused
absences. These contracts are available in the school office. The school office
must be notified at least 5 school days in advance of a planned absence due to
illness, surgery or other medical procedures.
7:55 AM - First Bell Rings
8:00 AM - Instruction Begins
SCHOOL SUCCESS BEGINS WITH ATTENDANCE. EVERY CHILD IN EVERY SEAT EVERY DAY COUNTS!
When it comes to school, students who miss school...miss out. Attendance boosts student achievement, improves the quality of your child's educational experience, and it prepares them for college, good careers, and successful adulthood. Studies show that over an adult's working life, high school graduates can expect to earn, on average, $1.2 million.**
Being in school every day is important. For every day of school missed, it takes two or more days for a student to catch up. Except in the case of illness, many school absences can be avoided with a little extra effort.
Parents, join forces with us to eliminate absences that can be prevented by making every effort to schedule medical and other appointments outside school hours and by making sure your children get plenty of sleep so they arrive at school on time. Give your child every opportunity to succeed at Hillside School and graduate to success, by encouraging them to attend school on time, every day. Please remember: Every Child in Every Seat Every Day Counts.