Attendance

Absence Notes: A written note is required following every absence, except prearranged where notification is before the absence. Absence notes must be turned into the deans’ office before or after school. All notes are to be turned in within three (3) days after the student returns from the absence. Students, parents, and/or guardians may be required to meet with a Clark County School District administrator regarding excessive absences.

When your child is out sick, please have him/her remember to do the following:

1- The day students return after an absence, they should report to the attendance office before school to turn in their note.

2- The student should give the attendance clerk the note from his/her parent or guardian explaining the reason for the absence. In addition, students must date-stamp their notes. The student will then proceed to class. The office does not write passes if the student is tardy.

An example note:

October 12, 2006,

Please excuse John Green, grade 8, student number 123456, on October 11th. He was at home with a fever.

Thank you,

Sylvia Ramos (mother)

Truancy: When a student is absent from school without a valid excuse or did not secure prior permission for the absence, the absence is unapproved. In accordance with NRS, an unapproved absence is deemed a truancy. When a student has three or more unapproved/unexcused absences he/she is declared a habitual truant. The consequences for a student who is cited for habitual truancy are determined by Juvenile Court and cannot be appealed through the school. As per state law, the possible consequences that may be imposed by the court are as follows: a fine of $100 for the first referral or eight to sixteen hours of community service and $200 for subsequent citations; suspension of the student's driver license for 30 days, or a delay of 30 days from the date a student applies for a first-time license, 60 days for subsequent citations and required community service (NRS 362.224).

In addition to any court-imposed consequences for truancy, students who exceed the limitation of absences are also subject to the penalties that may be imposed as per the district’s attendance regulation (5113).

If a parent/guardian, to whom notice of the habitual truancy has been given, fails to prevent the child’s subsequent truancy within that school year, that person(s) is guilty of a misdemeanor (NRS 392.210).

Any person who induces or attempts to induce any child to be absent from school unlawfully or who knowingly employs or harbors any child while school is in session is guilty of a misdemeanor.

Tardiness: Students are expected to be in their seats prior to the bell. Excessive tardiness will result in disciplinary action and notification of parents. Persistent tardiness may result in suspension from school. Any student more than thirty (30) minutes late for class will be counted absent for that class. Random tardy sweeps are conducted throughout the school year to ensure that all students are on time. Students not in classes during these tardy sweeps will be assigned deans’ detention.

Tardy Policy:

1st tardy: Consequence by Teacher
2nd tardy: Consequence/Parent Phone Contact
3rd tardy: Consequence/Tardy Notification Letter Mailed Home
4th tardy: Counselor Referral
5th tardy: Dean's Referral/Required Parent Conference (RPC)

Subsequent student tardies will be referred to the deans’ office where the student will be placed on an RPC status or on a formal suspension. This procedure is implemented at the beginning of each semester for each class period. Students suspended for excessive tardies will not be eligible for extracurricular elective trips and activities.