School Attendance Line: 403-817-3544 ext. 1
The following procedures will help us to ensure that all McKenzie Highlands students are safe and accounted for in a timely manner.
Absences
Achievement in school is very closely related to attendance. Students are legally required to attend regularly.
Parents are asked to contact the school in one of the following ways to advise of student absence:
Excessive absences from school are monitored by the office and could result in an Attendance Improvement Plan. Chronic absences may lead to a referral to the Attendance Officer for the CBE.
When it has been determined that a student will be absent for an extended period (3 days or more), parents are invited to utilize Desire to Learn (D2L) to stay in touch with what’s happening in class, contact their child’s homeroom teacher, or the main office to arrange for work to be completed at home. Two days’ notice is required for homework requests.
There are generally two ‘types’ of absences:
- Illness
Students are asked to see their teachers when they return to school following an illness. Teachers will negotiate with the individual student regarding a reasonable date for work completion. Should a student be away from school due to illness for an extended period of time, we would encourage you to contact your child’s homeroom teacher or the main office and they will help ensure your student has the necessary work for them to complete at home. - Vacation/Out of School Activities/Field Trips
We certainly understand the value of a family vacation, and recognize that it is not always possible to take that family vacation during school holiday time. However, it is very difficult for teachers to assume the responsibility for “re-teaching” material, and ensuring that students are “caught up” when they return.
Families are strongly encouraged to schedule vacation time that coincides with school scheduled breaks. Should your family choose to enjoy a vacation during school time, we would request the following:
- Please ensure that both the office and teachers are informed about a family vacation at least a week in advance. The work will be provided upon the student’s return to school. While away, students should utilize D2L.
- It is the responsibility of the student to see the teacher, and to make up the work missed.
We thank you for your assistance and if you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
Lates
Students who are not in their classes (with their school supplies) by the entry bell in the morning or after lunch are considered late. Late students are to report to the office and sign in.
Students are responsible for arriving for all classes on time. Unexcused lates between classes are handled by the receiving teacher.
*Please note that parents can access the record of attendance for their student(s) on PowerSchool.
Attendance and late absence issues may result in an in-school suspension or an Attendance Improvement Plan which could be brought before an Attendance Review Panel.
Student Pick-Up and Drop-Off
Parents, for everyone’s safety, please do not pick up or drop off your child in the staff parking lots. Please also be aware of the bus drop off and pick up zones, so as not to block buses before or after school.
Leaving School
Students will not be permitted to leave outside regular school hours. Visit our Security page to learn more about early entries, leaving early and dismissals.
Extended Vacations
Please advise the office by phone or email so we can account for child's absences. Notifications are sent home each morning for students who are absent for unknown reasons at the school. It is very important that we are made aware when your student will not be here, and confirm that you are also aware your child is not attending.
Please use the extended absence school letter to inform the office of your student's extended absence. The extended absence parent form outlines the responsibility of students, families and teachers in the case of an extended absence.
