ARRIVAL/DEPARTURES
The school day begins promptly at 8:45 am. The building opens to students at 8:15 am, since staff is unavailable for supervision before this time, students should not arrive at school prior to 8:15 am. When the building opens at 8:15 am, students may go to the school cafeteria to eat breakfast or directly to their homerooms. Once they have gone to class, though, breakfasts no longer an option.
If your child needs to leave early for any reason, they must be signed out of school before 2:30 pm. Requests after 2:30 pm will be denied. At this time, you will be permitted to pick your child up in their designated dismissal area as a walker/car rider.
ATTENDANCE/TARDIES
Attendance is a key factor in student achievement, and therefore, students are expected to be present and on time for school. Time away from school can have a significant negative impact on a child’s education. Therefore, whenever possible, appointments with doctors, dentists, etc., should be scheduled after school.
• When a student is absent from school, a note explaining the absence MUST be sent to the teacher by the parent/guardian within three days of the absence. A phone call to the office is not necessary. The note should contain the date of the absence, the specific reason for the absence, and the signature of the parent/guardians. Excessive unexcused absences may ultimately result in legal action by the school system.
• Personal illness, illness of a member of the immediate family, family death, or a religious observance are criteria for excused absences. Other absences or tardies will be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the Principal using School Board policy.
• When a teacher does not receive a note within three days after the student’s return, the absence will be marked unexcused. After three, six and ten unexcused absences, NC State law requires the school to notify the school social worker and send a letter to the parents outlining the attendance policies and requirements of the Department of Public Instruction.
• Students arriving after 8:45 am, are considered tardy. If your child arrives after 8:35 am you will need to bring them to the front office to sign them in.
The following are some common reasons not allowable as excuses for absence or tardiness:
• Missing the school bus
• Oversleeping (parent or child)
Stopping at a store to get an item for school
Lack of clean clothes, shoes, etc.
• Cold or hot weather
• Car problems
• Caring for siblings
Work to do at home
REQUESTS FOR EXCUSED ABSENCES FOR A VALID EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY
Requests can be made for up to three days of excused absences if a valid educational opportunity is provided. Requests must be received and approved two weeks prior to date of absences. Students will be required to provide a written or oral report about the educational experience within five days upon the student’s return to school.
Please feel free to reach out to Marissa Deamer, Data Manager at 704-658-2567 with any questions, comments or concerns regarding the above policies.