Attendance Line: 403-281-3366 press 1

Attendance

At Dr. E.P. Scarlett High School, we believe that regular and punctual attendance is essential to the pursuit and achievement of excellence.

Parents/guardians of students under the age of 18 are expected to phone the office to report a student's absence using the Attendance Line. The attendance lines are open 24 hours a day; therefore attendance messages may be left at any time. Students 18 years of age or older are responsible for calling in their own absences. All absences must be reported prior to 2:30 PM to be recorded for that day’s attendance report. It is expected that students will communicate directly with teachers regarding absences and missed work. Students and parents can access attendance records online through PowerSchool.

An explained absence does not excuse students from completing assignments or assessments.

Attendance Awareness Policy

• On or before the third absence/late in a course the teacher shall discuss attendance with the student, outlining expectations and future actions.

• On or about the fifth absence/late in a course the teacher shall contact home by email and/or phone to inform students under the age of 18 of absences and discuss the effect of irregular attendance on achievement. Teachers and Admin will log the communication in PowerSchool Log Entries.

• If students are over 18 and have not signed the release form, teachers will attempt to communicate directly with the student by phone or email.

• On or about the tenth absence/late in a course a referral will be sent to administration, outlining contacts with student and home. Communication will be logged in PowerSchool Log Entries.

• If student attendance and tardiness continues to be a problem, a number of administrative initiatives may be taken, such as conferences with parents, attendance improvement plans, and even course withdrawals are all possible options.

• Other administrative action (in consultation with parents/student/teacher) may include, but is not limited to suspension, involvement of the guidance counsellor and/or area specialist, or other outside agencies.

Extended Absences

Senior High School course content is extensive, rigorous, and fast paced. Vacations during the school year are strongly discouraged; however, should parents/guardians wish to remove students from class for vacation, students are required to complete an Extended Absence Form (available in the main office). A minimum of 3 weeks’ notice in advance of the absence is required and such absences are “unexcused.” Extended leaves of absence should not be planned during the final examination periods. Note: The Education Act defines explained absences as sickness, religious holidays, school suspension, or expulsion from school.