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Attendance Policy

Attendance Policy for SPS Anchor Alternative School

Aim

Regular attendance is essential not only for academic success but also for developing vital life skills such as responsibility, time management, and discipline. This policy outlines the expectations and responsibilities of students, parents/guardians, teachers, school counselors, and administrators in promoting consistent attendance at SPS Anchor Alternative School.

Community Roles and Responsibilities 

Ensuring consistent student attendance is a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders, each playing a vital role:

  • Students: Attend school daily, arrive on time, and engage actively in learning.
  • Parents and Guardians: Ensure their children attend school regularly and punctually, communicate with the school regarding absences, and support their children's educational journey.
  • Teachers: Accurately record daily attendance, create engaging lessons to encourage participation, and address attendance issues promptly.
  • School Administrators: Develop and enforce attendance policies, monitor attendance data, and implement interventions to address chronic absenteeism.
  • Community Members and Organizations: Support schools by providing resources, mentorship, and programs that address barriers to attendance, such as transportation or health services.

By working together, these stakeholders can create a supportive environment that promotes regular attendance and enhances student success.

Attendance and Grading

Student attendance will directly impact grading. If a student exceeds 16 absences within a semester or 8 within a quarter, their grade will be marked as "I" (Incomplete) once this threshold has been made. To change the "I" to the actual earned grade, the student must complete the SARB Student Task. Failure to do so will result in the "I" being turned into an "F". 

Tardiness

Punctuality is crucial. The following codes will be used to record attendance within PowerSchool:

  • (A) – Unexcused Absence
  • (P) – Tardy Pass Excused
  • (AT) – Tardy Absence (arriving after more than 50% of the class)
  • (TT) – Tardy  (late for less than half of the class)

Every four unexcused tardies will convert to one unexcused absence.

Types of Absences

1. Exempt Absences

These absences are recognized as valid reasons for missing school and do not count towards the allowed number of absences per quarter. Examples include:

  • Bereavement (BX): Absence due to the death of a family member or close acquaintance.
  • Detention/Court Appearance (D): Mandatory attendance in legal proceedings.
  • Field Trip (F): Participation in events or trips organized by the school.
  • Long-Term Illness with a doctor's note (LX): Extended absence due to a significant health issue, verified by a medical professional.
  • Mental Health Days (MHX): Up to two days per year allocated for mental health reasons.
  • Religious Holiday (R): Observance of recognized religious events.
  • Out of School Suspension (S): Absence resulting from disciplinary action taken by the school.
  • Short-Term Illness with a doctor’s note (STX): Brief absence due to illness, confirmed by a healthcare provider.
  • College Visit/Orientation (VAX): Attendance at college-related events, such as campus tours or orientation sessions.

2. Excused Absences

These absences are acknowledged by the school but do count towards the allowed number of absences per quarter. Examples include:

  • Left Early (L): Leaving school before the official end of the school day for valid reasons.

It is important to note that the policy does not explicitly define a category for Unexcused Absences. However, any absence that does not meet the criteria for either exempt or excused absences would typically be considered unexcused. Unexcused absences can have academic consequences, such as impacting grading or leading to disciplinary actions.

Parents/Guardians must notify the school in writing within ten (10) school days of a student’s return to school. Documentation can include notes from parents/guardians or official sources.

Google Form link to submit documentation for Excused Absence: https://forms.gle/eoL3C2nnUPgLehxF8

Attendance Recovery

Students who exceed the allowed number of absences must participate in attendance recovery to retain their passing grade for that quarter. Attendance recovery can begin as soon as the student exceeds the absence threshold and must be completed no later than the midpoint of the following quarter. Failure to complete attendance recovery will result in an "F" for that marking period. 

Implementation and Monitoring

School leadership will regularly review attendance data and seek input from staff to ensure the effectiveness of this policy. Adjustments will be made as necessary to support student success.

 

By adhering to this policy, SPS Anchor aims to foster a culture of responsibility and academic excellence.