Changes to the MHS Attendance Policy

This entry is going to detail the changes to our Attendance Policy, which is probably the biggest change to our Parent-Student Handbook this year. I hope everyone takes the time to review the policy as it will definitely impact students as we move forward. In short, we've cut the allowable absences per semester in half. Previously students were allowed 12 absences in a semester before losing academic credit. This year students are only allowed six absences in a semester.

The handbook outlines five excusable absences that will not go against the Attendance Policy. The five reasons are: student is hospitalized, observing a religious holiday, there is a death in the immediate family, the student participates in a school sponsored or approved activity, or there are mandated court appearances. The one excuse that is not listed and will not be an approved absence is a family vacation. The handbook states, "family trips, vacations, or appointments should be scheduled to coincide with school vacations or non-school days."

I realize life does happen and for that reason we do offer an appeal process. If a student does exceed the attendance limit then a parent/guardian is allowed to appeal the policy. The appeal involves writing a short letter asking for the appeal. This letter should be addressed to me. I will then review the situation and either make an immediate decision or call for a meeting.

The change in the Attendance Policy comes after reflecting on our mission statement. Were we truly preparing our students for living, learning, and working in the 21st century if we were allowing students to miss 12 days in a semester (24 days a year)? I am confident the new policy will better prepare our students for the expectations they will face in college, at work, or within the military.

As a reminder, you can access the entire Parent-Student Handbook by following these steps:

1. Go to http://www.monsonschools.com/
2. Click on Monson High in the left column
3. Click on Handbook

Feel free to comment or contact me with questions and/or concerns. Take care!