Attendance and Tardy Letter August 2007
by Bill Huggett
August 30, 2007
Dear Parent/Guardians of Missouri Valley Elementary Students:
I am writing this letter to share with you our attendance and tardy policy for Missouri Valley Elementary.
It is the firm belief of the Missouri Valley Community Schools that student’s attendance at school is vital to their learning. Punctuality, or being on time, is also essential. Excessive absenteeism and/or tardiness are very much discouraged. Students must be physically present at school in order to not be counted absent (excused or un-excused).
In accordance with School board Policy 503.6, should a student be ill on any given day, the parents are expected to call the school by 9:00 a.m. If a call is not received by 9:00, the school secretary will attempt to contact the child’s parent to determine whether or not the child is legitimately absent from school. That day will be considered unexcused automatically. A letter will notify parents when a child has accumulated 7 absences. At ten absences a letter will be sent asking parents to call the school to schedule a meeting to offer assistance and guidance to eliminate further absences/tardies. There will be an attendance review committee to help ensure that a child with poor attendance improves their attendance.
Any student exceeding 13.5 days of excused or unexcused absences or tardiness in a semester is subject to their child’s attendance being forwarded to the county attorney for them to decide what action to take. The principal may request medical verification relating to absences from school or when parents want their child to stay indoors for long periods of time (requests longer than one week will require a doctor’s excuse).
This year we are also going to be administering discipline for excessive tardiness. It is very important to be at school at the start of the day. Please see below for level of discipline.
3-5 Tardies- One noon recess per tardy
6-9 Tardies- Stay after school for each day of being tardy -Parent
Meeting
10-12 Tardies- Stay after school for 3 days per tardy with Parent
Conference/ Possible referral to Harrison County for
attendance.
If you have questions about any of this information please contact me at 642-2279. I look forward to working with all of you to ensure the best possible education for your child. The first and most important step is for every child to be at school and on time every single day possible.
Sincerely,
Bill Huggett
Missouri Valley Elementary Principal
