ABSENCES

Any student who has been absent from school needs to bring a note from his/her parent or guardian within 48 hours of the absence.  It should state the cause of the absence, the date, the student's name and a phone number where the parent can be reached during school hours.

Students have two types of absences, excused and unexcused, as defined by the Dade County School Board.

EXCUSED ABSENCES

The following are the acceptable reasons for an excused absence:

1.  Student illness.

2.  Medical appointments that cannot be scheduled when school is not in 

    session.

3.  Death in the family.

4.  Observance of a religious holiday or service when it is mandated for all

    members of a faith that such a holiday or service be observed.

5.  Participation in a school-sponsored event or activity.

6.  Reasons beyond the control of the parent, accident or natural disaster.

All absences that do not fall under the criteria for an excused absences will be considered unexcused. 

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WHEN ABSENT

Upon return from an absence, the student gives the office clerk a written note from a parent/guardian or doctor stating the date and reason for the absence.  Parents should notify the school of prolonged absences.  Any student who misses work due to absence is responsible to contact teachers and work out a plan to make up any work missed.  A daily list of absences and tardiness will be published.

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MAKE-UP WORK

When a student is absent from class with an excused absence, he or she shall be responsible for all work and assignments missed during the absence.  The student shall make arrangements with teachers for make-up work within a reasonable time, as determined by the teacher.  For extended illness, three (3) or more days, parent may contact the grade-level counselor to obtain make-up work.  Twenty-four hour notice is required prior to pick-up.

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TRUANCY

Truancy, as defined by Florida statutes on compulsory attendance, states that Miami-Dade County School Board requires withholding of grades for a student who accumulates five (5) or more unexcused absences in a semester course or ten (10) or more absences in an annual course.  An appeal process is available.