1. 2017-2018 DHS Attendance, Loitering, and Tardy Policy & Procedures
Welcome Back, Students!
DHS Attendance, Loitering, and Tardy Policy & Procedures

2. Attendance…..It’s Important!
Learning is progressive; lessons build upon those of the previous days
Students with good attendance usually achieve higher grades and enjoy school more
Regular school attendance patterns encourage the development of other responsible patterns of behavior
Students who develop an “on the job” attitude toward school will be more desirable to future employers

3. Attendance (Excused vs. Unexcused)
EXCUSED ABSENCES
UNEXCUSED ABSENCES
Authorized Religious Holidays
Illness (parent/guardian must call & notify the attendance office within 48 hours)
Death in your Family/Funeral
Medical/Dental Appointment
Court Appearance
Pre-Approved College Visits
Pre-Approved Family Vacations
Failure of parent/guardian to call in for an excused absence. Parent or guardian must notify (phone call or note) the school within 48 hours of the student's return, otherwise the absence is unexcused.
Leave school without dismissal/permission
Babysitting
Birthday and/or Other Celebrations
Family Trips/Vacations NOT Pre-Approved
Hunting, Fishing, and Attendance at Sporting Events that are NOT School Sponsored
Employment
Missing the School Bus
Oversleeping
Shopping
College Visits NOT Approved in Advance

4. Unexcused Absences Consequences
First Offense: Parent/Guardian Notified
Second Offense: Dismissal Pending Parent Conference
Repeated Offenses: Excessive unexcused absences may lead to referral to the truancy officer and/or the State’s Attorney’s Office or may result in up to 3-day - suspension
**PLEASE NOTE: IF YOU ARE 17 OR OLDER, YOU CAN BE DROPPED FROM SCHOOL FOR NON- ATTENDANCE**

5. What is Loitering?
Loitering: The act of being in or about any school building or property, or in specifically restricted areas of a school building or property at unauthorized times or without the specific authorization of the school's personnel.

6. What are the consequences of loitering?
First Offense: Parent/Guardian Notified
Second Offense: Dismissal Pending Parent Conference
Repeated Offenses: Considered “Insubordination” (see pg. 24 in OIE) for consequences

7. Tardy Definition (according to the District’s OIE)
The act of lateness to school, class, homeroom, or any other part of the student's schedule.

8. Hero
A computer program for tracking tardies to school and classes throughout the day.
Through this program, students can earn incentive points for positive behaviors and following school/classroom expectations that can be redeemed throughout the school year.
Additional information will be coming soon!

9. What are the consequences of being tardy to class?
First & Second Offense: Written Warning
Third & Fourth Offense: Automated Phone Call/
Fifth Offense: Dismissal Pending Parent Conference (meeting with the Dean)
Sixth Offense: Social Probation
Seventh Offense: ½ Day Refocus/Social Probation
Eighth Offense: Full Day Refocus/Social Probation
Repeated Offenses: Ninth and subsequent violations may lead up to 10 days out-of-school suspension

10. Any Questions……
If you have any questions about attendance, loitering, and/or tardies, please see your teacher, principal and/or assistant principal, dean, or attendance officers (Mrs. Goodwin & Mrs. Edwards in the Student Support Office—Room 124)