What is considered a half day/full day of school for students?
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General Procedures
- Not reporting to school or arriving after 11:00 AM is considered a full-day absence.
- Arriving at school between 9:00 and 11:00 is considered a half-day absence.
- Students must turn in written absence excuses to the main office within three school days following an absence. If the excuse is not turned in on the third day at school following the absence, the absence will remain unexcused.
- Unexcused Absences - In accordance with state regulation (24P.S. 13-1327) "All absences should be treated as unlawful until the school district receives a written excuse explaining the reason(s) for an absence. Parents/guardians and students should submit the written explanation within three calendar days of the absence, the absence would be permanently counted as unlawful." All student absences are considered unlawful until the district receives a written excuse.
- Students are considered to be excessively absent if they are absent more than ten days during the school year. All absences in excess of ten days during the school year will be coded excused only if the student turns in an "official" medical/dental/judicial agency excuse. All unexcused absences may result in the assignment of a 3-hour after-school detention (Level III violation).
- Truancy is defined as being absent from school or leaving school without prior permission from parents/guardians or the school (the willful intent to skip school). There are times when a student's absence can be considered truancy even if it is permitted by the parents/guardians. Truancy results in the assignment of a detention, the loss of credit in all classes that were missed, and the loss of driving privileges for one month.
- Act 16 of 2019 significantly changed the Pennsylvania Public School Code regarding attendance. All children from the age of six (6) through the age of eighteen (18) must comply with compulsory school attendance requirements. Students age 18 and over who are absent for ten consecutive days with no explanation will be withdrawn from school.
- Pre-approval is required for all educational trips and college visits. The approval form must be turned in to the office at least one day before the absence. If this is not done, the absence will be considered unexcused. An adult must accompany students on educational trips. Students on a college visit must have an appointment to meet an official college representative. Students must turn in to the office a signed statement from the college representative and a telephone number must be provided so the visitation can be confirmed.
- Any trip request that results in more than 10 days of absences will be denied and counted as unexcused absences.
- Students who request an early dismissal must bring to the office before homeroom a note from home which includes a parent/guardian signature, the reason and time of the appointment, and the name and telephone number of the destination.
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