What is all the hype about the "new" attendance policy?
When staff examined student data at the end of the 2005-2006 school year, we found a direct relationship between students with excessive absences and students who were failing classes. As a staff, we committed to working together with our parents/guardians to improve student attendance and student achievement at Federal Way High School. We care about our students and know when students are in class they are safe and successful. We want to work with our parents and students to reinforce that attendance, because we know it equates to academic and personal success, is NOT OPTIONAL.

What is the same about the attendance policy?
The state of Washington requires that students attend school until they are 18 years old. Federal Way Public Schools also require students to attend school and to have "consequences" for unexcused absences. FWHS has an automatic calling system which calls home daily when students are absent. Students with excessive absences will be "Becca Billed" according to state law. This petition is processed through the court system.

What is different about the attendance policy?
At the fourth, eighth, and twelfth absence from a class, teachers will contact home IN ADDITION to the automatic phone call. Staff will issue absence notification forms for the student to complete and return. After the twelfth absence, the student and parent will be required to attend an "attendance board meeting". Students with excessive absences will be surveyed to see what is preventing them from attending class regularly. The fourth period teacher will assist administrators in monitoring their students' attendance- and refer when necessary. Students with excessive unexcused absences may lose the privilege of participating in school activities.

When does the attendance policy go into effect?
Students are required to attend all assigned courses on time, starting the first day of school. Schedule changes impact our computer's ability to accurately reflect attendance. Therefore, students need to stay in their assigned courses until they are given an official schedule change. A student's new schedule may not be reflected in a teacher's attendance for 24 hours, so students might be marked absent in a course they are no longer attending. Please be patient while the computer catches up with student schedule changes. The staff will begin their role in implementing the policy on a specified date when the student schedules "settle".

Does FWHS have an open campus?
NO!!!! All schools in our district have a closed campus. Students are NOT allowed to leave during the day without parent/guardian permission and without obtaining an off campus pass. FWHS has over 70 exits and sometimes students choose to leave without permission. Students who are caught doing this are assigned consequences.

Can my 18 yr old student sign their own notes?
Yes, with your permission. Think twice before authorizing this, and we encourage you to continue to monitor your student's grades and attendance. You have the right to revoke this privilege if your student takes advantage of it.

How can parents/guardians help?
· update your contact information whenever you move or change your phone number
· reinforce the school's expectation that students need to attend every day, every period
· reinforce that our district has a closed campus policy and students leaving need to have parent/guardian permission and obtain an off campus pass before leaving
· use the pre arranged absence process when necessary
· call the attendance line or send a note to excuse a student's absence within 48 hours
· check your student's attendance and grades on line
· communicate with your students' teachers and the attendance office if you think the attendance record is incorrect and the attendance office
· reinforce the school consequences for unexcused absences
· participate in attendance conferences if they are necessary
· volunteer if available in the attendance office

How will students and parents find out about the attendance policy?

Below you will find the information that will be included in every teacher's course syllabus. Every teacher will go over this policy with their students.

Federal Way High School
Attendance Policy 2006-2007

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 desk.

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 will NOT be given the opportunity to receive credit for a graded activity/assignment which 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: lunch detention, after school detention, school or community service hours, or 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 4th, 8th, and 12th absence. Every teacher will fill out an Attendance Notification form and issue this to the student.

A designated teacher will be responsible for assigning initial consequences for unexcused absences and subsequent referrals to administration for continued unexcused absences.
1st and 2nd unexcused absence- Detention
2nd and 3rd unexcused absence- Detention, Friday School, ISS or Saturday School
5th or more unexcused absence- Continued 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.