General Procedures

1. Not reporting to school or arriving after 11:00 AM is considered a full-day absence.
2. Arriving at school between 9:00 and 11:00 is considered a half-day absence.
3. Students must turn in written absence excuses to the attendance 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. 
4. 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. 
5. 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).
6. 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.
7. 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 Students age 18 and over who are absent for ten consecutive days with no explanation will be withdrawn from school.
8. 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.
9. Any trip request that results in more than 10 days of absences will be denied and counted as unexcused absences.
10. 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.

A written parent/guardian excuse stating the reason for a pupil’s absence from school is required for each absence by PA Law and SLSD School Board Policy. Parents/guardians of absent students are notified daily using an automated telephone notification system. Parents/guardians, please be advised that a parental phone call to Southern Lehigh High School cannot take the place of a written excuse. Written verification for student absences is required for legal purposes.

Notes can be handwritten and dropped off at the attendance desk with Ms. Burno. Parents may also scan or take a photo of a written note and email it to Mrs. Burno at burnot@slsd.org, but the photo or scan must have a parent's signature on it or it will not be accepted. All absences should be accompanied by a note including tardies, half days, full days, vacations, and educational trips. 

 Please see the Athletic Code of Conduct for additional information

1. In order for a student-athlete to participate in any athletic activity, including practice, he/she must be in attendance at school before 9:00 AM on the day of the activity.  Pre-approved educational trips, college visits, funerals, religious holidays, medical/dental appointments, driving testing services, and other activities approved by the High School Principal are exceptions to this rule.  The High School Principal or his/her designee is the only person that may waive the 9:00 AM rule.  Student-athletes must be in school at start time prior to all doctor appointments after 9:00 AM until appointment dismissal time and all student-athletes must return to school with a doctor’s note.  For example, school starts at 7:45 AM and the doctor’s appointment is at 9:30 AM, the student-athlete must report to school on time and follow normal sign out procedures.  A student-athlete who is absent from school may attend an activity as a spectator if the activity is open to the public.

2. A student-athlete who leaves early during the school day and will not return prior to the end of the day may not participate in an athletic event unless prior permission is granted by the building Principal or his/her designee or the Director of Athletics.  Upon return to the athletic event, a note verifying the appointment must be given to the Director of Athletics, Athletic Trainer or Head Coach.  If the student-athlete returns to the athletic event without a note, he/she will not be permitted to participate.

3. A student-athlete who is out of school suspended is not eligible to participate in school activities from the time the disciplinary action starts.  He/she becomes eligible at 7:46 AM of the school day immediately following the last day of suspension.  Therefore, a student-athlete out of school suspended on a Friday is not eligible for any weekend activities.

Class dues only need to be paid once in the four years they are at high school.  Class dues are used towards cap and gown for graduation and other class activities over the course of high school. All class dues will be paid at the High School Main Office. All checks should be made payable to "Southern Lehigh High School."

Class of 2025 dues are $50.00 – Courtney Bathgate, Advisor

Class of 2026 dues are $50.00 – Casey Cooperman, Advisor

Class of 2027 dues are $50.00 – Stephanie Donald, Advisor

Class of 2028 dues are $50.00 – Danika Wall, Advisor

Checks should be made payable to SLHS.  Please note in the memo section what club or activity the check is for.

Student Parking Applications become available and are accepted on a first come first serve basis.  Applications become available during the summer prior to the new school year.  A student must have a completed application, proof of insurance, proof of vehicle registration and a valid driver’s license to apply for an application.  A payment of $50.00 is accepted at the time of spot assignments. Information about parking can be found on the Parking Page.

Fill out the verification form found in the Counseling Section of the High School Website.  Follow the directions provided on the form to receive requested information.