A Brief Look at Harwood’s Attendance Policy and Procedures

Students may be excused from school for the following reasons only:
1. Illness

2. Medical appointment

3. Pre-approved absence for educational purposes

4. Required attendance by military recruiter

5. Scheduled court appearance

6. Driver’s license road test appointment

7. Religious holiday

8. Death in the family

9. Other family emergency

Other reasons for missing school are considered unexcused.

Harwood’s attendance policy requires that students attend school every day. If a student misses more than 3 classes in a grade quarter, the Attendance Review Committee (ARC) will contact parents/guardians and review those absences to determine what supports the student may need in order to be successful. The policy of the Harwood School Board states that if a student has 4 absences, s/he may be in danger of receiving an Administrative Failure (A/F) grade of 59% for the quarter. The ARC works with students facing A/F and their parents/guardians to improve school attendance, address individual needs, and foster improved academic performance.

Please make every effort to schedule appointments and travel outside of school hours and days when school is in session. If a scheduling conflict, such as an educational trip or medical treatment, exceeds 3 days, a student must submit the Request for Extended Absence form. This form is available in the main office and can be downloaded

HERE.

All requests must be approved by school administration before departure.

For absences during part of the school day or 3 days or less, a parent/guardian must call or submit a note to the main office explaining the reason for missing school. Please see the list above for reasons that are excused; other reasons are considered unexcused.