Federal Way High School

Attendance Policy 2008-2009

We know “regular attendance has a direct effect on the academic progress of the students and the development of good habits which will aid students as they move into the world beyond the district.” Taking into account the Federal Way Public Schools’ Attendance Policy (Policy 3120) and the Federal Way Public Schools’ Attendance Procedure (Procedure 3120P), our staff members condensed the Attendance Policy and Procedure into the following important points:

1. A student is responsible for arriving on time and being prepared to learn in every class.

2. A student is responsible for clearing their excused absences with the attendance secretary within two school business days. Bring your note to Mrs. Shelby at the Attendance window located across from the main office.

3. A student whose absence is excused is responsible for making up the assignments/activities/ and the attendance/participation portion of the grade missed during the absence in the manner provided by the teacher.

4. A student whose absence is unexcused may NOT be given the opportunity to receive credit for a graded activity/assignment that is due during the time when the student is absent.

5. A student whose absence is unexcused will be responsible for making up the time missed in a manner determined by the school. Examples of such discipline may include, but are not limited to: after school detention, ISS, and exclusion from an activity conducted by the school other than actual class time*.

Every teacher will attempt to contact the student’s parents/guardians after the 4^th, 8^th, and 12^th absence. Every teacher will fill out a record of the phone call on the Attendance Phone Log.

Advisory teachers will be responsible for assigning initial consequences for unexcused absences and subsequent referrals to administration for continued unexcused absences in all of the student’s classes.

1^st and 2^nd unexcused absence- Detention

3^rd and 4^th unexcused absence- Detention, ISS or Saturday School

5^th or more unexcused absence- Progressive discipline including potential Out of School Suspension for Insubordination

Students with continued absences will be “Becca Billed” according to state law.

Students with 12 or more absences (NOT INCLUDING SCHOOL RELATED) will be required to meet with an “attendance appeal board” along with their parents/guardians.

*Activities students can be excluded from include, but are not limited to: assemblies, club meetings, dances, and sporting events.