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SCHOOL ATTENDANCE Good attendance is the first requirement for academic success. Parents should ensure that their child is in school unless absence is absolutely necessary. This includes coming to school on time and remaining the entire day. School Hours The school day is from 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Once a month, however, there are teacher meetings and workshops that require students to be dismissed at 12:00. Teachers, aides, and clerical staff are on campus from 7:30 until 4:00 p.m.. Annual Calendar The school calendar includes a minimum of 180 days. The school year is made up of two semesters, each semester of about 18 weeks of classes. Semesters are divided into quarters, each approximately 9 weeks long. The first semester usually begins the first week of August and ends the second week of December. Summer vacation is from mid-December to mid-February. The second semester is generally from mid-February to the end of June. Absences The attendance record shall become part of the student's permanent record. Students who are absent during the school day will not be eligible to participate in after-school activities on that day, including all sports and extracurricular events. Each section of the school has specific attendance policies given the different levels of responsibility different age groups have for their attendance. The following are general guidelines, please refer to your specific section to find the exact procedure concerning attendance. 1. Excused Absence An excused absence simply means that the student may make up work that was missed during the absence within a reasonable time period. An excused absence is granted for either physical inability to attend class (i.e. illness) or an emotional inability to attend class (i.e. bereavement, etc.) A signed note from the parent and/or the physician is needed on the day the student returns to school. 2. Unexcused Absence An unexcused absence is defined when a student is absent from class for reasons of convenience, pleasure, or whim; or does not immediately present, on the day returning to school after an absence, a parental note explaining the reason of the absence. In the case of an unexcused absence, students will not be allowed to make up tests and other work that was missed during the absence period. The student is, however, expected to inform him/herself as to what was missed in order to continue responsible participation in class. Early Dismissals Students may not leave school during the academic day without parent permission. A note signed by the parent must be cleared through the elementary or secondary school offices. This should be done before 8 AM. An early dismissal form will then be issued to the student. The process is completed when, upon leaving, the early dismissal form is given to the security guard. Should a note not be presented, in order to take a son or daughter out of school during the school day the parent must present themselves at the appropriate school office. Anticipated Absences We discourage the use of school time for family trips and/or extended vacations. When these are absolutely necessary, arrangements should be made with the principal in advance and in writing. If the absence is approved, it will be considered an excused absence. Tardies School begins at 8:00 AM. Therefore, all students are to be in their classes, seated, and ready to work promptly at that time. Students who are late should report directly to the elementary office or secondary guidance office before proceeding to class. For specific consequences for lateness to school or class, please refer to the appropriate section procedures. Walking Passes It is assumed that a responsible adult picks up all students on the school grounds at dismissal time. However, in some cases, students may solicit permission to be allowed to walk to and from school. In this case, the student must solicit a "walking pass" at the respective Guidance Office. A "walking pass" will be issued, complete with photo I.D., so that the student may leave and enter school grounds on foot. These students will need to identify themselves with the security guards upon departure. For security reasons, students will not be allowed to leave school grounds on foot without a walking pass or specific written permission from a parent presented to the respective office. Temporary Withdrawals ASA recognizes that circumstances may arise which oblige students to temporarily withdraw from school for certain periods of time. Students may apply for a temporary leave of absence from the school, thus reserving space in the school for their eventual return. This leave must be requested in advance in writing directly to the area principal. The cost for reserving space in the school shall be equivalent to one-fifth (20%) of the yearly tuition for the grade level for each year of absence from the school, and the annual registration fee. This non-refundable payment is payable in advance the month of July of each school year. Students who are absent for only part of a given school year may be readmitted to the same academic year provided that the annual registration fee and required % of the tuition have been paid. Mid-Term Entry / Exit Parents should advise the corresponding administrative staff in writing and with sufficient advance notice about the pending withdrawal of any student. The area counselor will then provide parents with the appropriate exit forms. Exit reports and transcripts will be denied to those students who fail to follow these exit/withdrawal procedures, which include taking care of all pending accounts with the school’s Business Office. |
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