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K~i y <br />``Descriptor Term: Descriptor Code: Issued Date: <br />ATTENDANCE <br />Rescinds: Re-Issued: <br />t~/~~ <br />The Orange County Board of Education recognizes that regular attendance and participation in <br />class are integral parts of the teaching-learning process that help form habits essential for <br />success in both school and the workforce. Students are therefore expected to attend every <br />school day unless there is a compelling reason for absence, and should make up missed work. <br />While primary and legal responsibility for student attendance lies with parents and students, <br />responsibility for the success of students is shared by the School Board and all employees of the <br />Orange County School System. Therefore, school system personnel, activities, and policies <br />should maintain a climate which both promotes attendance and discourages absences, class <br />cutting, and tardiness. Students and parents, in turn, should strive to attain excellent attendance. <br />Local policy and regulations which address the unique needs of our school system must build <br />upon the state's attendance laws and procedures. Adherence to and enforcement of a uniform <br />set of state and local requirements is expected in all schools. Students, parents, and school <br />system employees will be held accountable for attendance. <br />Schools should make every reasonable effort to support students who miss school due to illness <br />or other compelling reasons. Realizing that family situations and mental and physical health <br />impact attendance, schools should develop intervention strategies when needed to address <br />student's academic and adjustment needs. Excessive absences, however, will result in negative <br />consequences. <br />Specific regulations for the school system are as follows: <br />DEFINITIONS OF TARDINESS <br />Late arrival for a school day (elementary and middle school) or class period (high school) is <br />considered tardiness. For purposes of this policy K-8 students who are present less than one-half <br />of a school day are considered absent. High school students are considered absent for a class <br />when they are present less than one-half of the class period. <br />PROMOTION OF GOOD ATTENDANCE <br />Schools are encouraged to use multiple methods to promote good attendance. These methods <br />should reward good attendance (i.e., a rate of 95% or higher), clearly convey the message that <br />attendance is very important, and continually improve the school climate. <br />COMPLIANCE WITH LAWS AND RULES <br />School system personnel will comply with state laws, regulations, and policies regarding <br />attendance, notification, and use of law enforcement officials. (See NOTE, page 3) Adherence to <br />additional local policies, regulations, and procedures is also required. <br />MAKEUP OF MISSED WORK <br />Makeup work shall be requested and completed by the student, as assigned by the teacher. The <br />work should be returned to the teacher within five school days. Makeup work may be specific <br />material missed by the student or may be reinforcement or enrichment in nature. Teachers, <br />principals, and parents should make every effort to support students as they make up the work <br />missed during absences. It is also incumbent upon each teacher to maintain high standards <br />regarding the quality and quantity of makeup work. <br />Attendance p. 1 of 3 <br />