Text Box: ATTENDANCE Daily attendance and punctuality are essential for the continued progress of your child. Parents are required by State Law to see that their child attends school regularly. Emergency closing of school is unusual, therefore, parental judgment in deciding whether or not to send a child during inclement weather is respected. Should you decide not to send your child—please advise the school of this decision. ABSENCE & TARDINESS Illness, contagious diseases, death in the family, hazardous road conditions and exceptionally urgent situations affecting the child are among the reasons for absence from school. Please have your child bring a signed note upon his/her return to school. Parents please be advised that if your child is absent from school, they are not permitted to attend any after school activity (i.e. after-school program, baseball, basketball, drama, dance, jump-rope club, plays, etc.) Parents who find it necessary to remove their child from the regular school session for an extended period of time are responsible for contacting the teacher (and office) to make arrangements for completing missed class work. Tardiness requires a note upon arrival at school. Students should be sure to check in at the office upon arrival. If your will be tardy, and will be ordering a hot lunch, please notify the office by 9:00 a.m. ATTENDANCE PROCEDURE The Freedom School recognizes the importance of good attendance in order to ensure successful students. This procedure is established with the intent of stressing that good attendance is necessary for successful learning. 1. After three (3) accumulated unexcused absences, the principal will contact the parent or guardian for clarification as to the student’s absence and to formulate a plan to avoid and minimize future absences. 2. After ten (10) accumulated excused or unexcused absences, the principal will contact the parent or guardian in writing and notify them of the total number of absences for their child and the possible ramifications. A copy of the letter will be sent to the Superintendent and the Freedom School Board. 3. After twenty (20) accumulated excused or unexcused absences, the principal will notify the parent or guardian in writing that their child will be facing possible retention. Reasons for retention include; curriculum not covered, grades are affected, standards are not met. A copy of the letter will be sent to the Superintendent and the Freedom School Board. The parents may appeal this decision to the School Board by written request. An excused absence includes; illness, contagious diseases, death in the family, and exceptionally urgent situations affecting the child.