Student Handbook
2007-2008
ABSENCES FROM SCHOOL
Texhoma students should be in attendance at school each day that school is in session. Any student who misses more than 5 days (excused or unexcused) for non- school related reasons during a 9 week grading period will receive a maximum grade of 59% for that grading period in all classes. Any student who misses more than 5 days in each 9 week period of a semester will not receive credit for that course. * If a student misses more than 10 days in a semester they will not receive credit for the semester. A doctor's report which shows illness may allow an exception to this rule. Special consideration may be given to extenuating family circumstances, or long-term illness.
- I. Excusable Absences include:
- a. Illness of the student
- b. Death in the immediate family
- c. Bus students when the buses do not run and we have school
- d. Approved planned absence (Must be excused through the office)
- 1. The planned absence form will have each class listed, grade to date in each class, the teachers' signatures, and the student will procure assignments from each teacher before approved
- 2. Planned absence forms must be given to the teacher at the beginning of each class period
- 3. Planned absence forms need to be approved one week (5 school days) prior to the absence
- 4. In emergency situations, planned absences may be approved through the principal if there are less than five school days prior to the absence.
- 5. PLANNED ABSENCES ARE DISCOURAGED DURING NINE WEEKS OR SEMESTER EXAMS.
- II. Students absent because of school activities will be counted absent from classes and work shall be made up. These students will not be counted absent in attendance, however. To be considered a school activity, the State Department of Education requires:
- a. The activity must be sponsored by the school
- b. The activity must be under the supervision of regular faculty members
- c. 4-H is considered a school activity. Supervisor must contact school on these activities.
- III. On a day that a student is absent from school, the parent must call the school by 9:30 a.m. to inform the principal of the reason for the student's absence.
- IV. Admit slips must be obtained by the students from the principal's office before classes begin. Students will not be permitted to attend class without an admit.
- V. Students with an excused absence will have at least as many days as they were absent to make up work. (Teachers may make exceptions to allow a longer period of time.)
- VI. Students are responsible for arranging and making up work.
- VII. Students receiving an UNEXCUSED ABSENCE will be assessed a (1) one percent reduction in their final 9 weeks grade for each unexcused absence. A suspension is an unexcused absence. At the discretion of the principal students may reduce the penalty reduction in their grade by attendance at a special Saturday School session(s).
- VIII. If a student receives an unexcused absence, parents may be notified verbally or in writing.
- IX. Students will be responsible for checking their absences and tardies the last day of each week. Any discrepancies will be checked through the office with the principal at that time; otherwise any absences/tardies beyond the previous week will stay as recorded. Any discrepancies about absences/tardies that need discussed with the principal should not be done during class time. Any student absent on the last day of the week will check with their teacher the first day back in class otherwise their absences/tardies stand as recorded.
- X. Students will sign out when leaving the classroom and sign in when returning. Students will be expected to have a hall pass when out of the classroom.