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Attendance Policy

Research indicates a positive correlation between attendance and grades. Parents are encouraged to maintain a close contact with the school so that a joint effort might be made to prevent the development of attendance and discipline problems.

A student’s attendance is essential to learning – learning that includes not only factual subject matter, but also attendance habits, work habits, attitudes, and ideals. Poor attendance interrupts the process of education. It also impedes the continuity of the lessons presented, the ability of the students to understand and gain insight from the classroom experiences, and the student’s ability to establish proper work habits.

Whether the goal is employment, enrollment, or enlistment, students need to come to school every day and benefit from interaction, discussion, and teacher support available during class time. Every absence, whether excused or not, interrupts the student’s understanding of the material being presented and weakens his/her interests in the continuing program.

Absence Reporting Procedures

When a student is absent from school, the following procedure must be followed:

  1. It is expected that a parent or guardian call the attendance line (317-693-5309) before 10:00 a.m. of the day the absence occurs to notify the school of the absence. The following should be included during the phone call:
    • The student’s name (first, middle, and last) and grade (Please include the correct spelling of the name.).
    • The name of the person making the call and the relationship to the student.
    • The reason for the absence.
    • The date(s) of the absence(s) and periods if not the entire day.
    • A telephone number so the call can be verified.
  2. If a parent does not have access to a phone, a note from the parent/legal guardian will be accepted on the day the student returns to school. If the absence is due to a medical, dental, or other professional appointment, a note of verification from the place of business is required. The note should include the date, time, and length of the appointment on professional letterhead with phone number and address.
  3. All phone calls and verification notes must be received by the Attendance Office within 72 hours of the student’s return to school in order for the absence to be excused. If a note or phone call is NOT received within 72 hours, the absence will be considered UNEXCUSED. The day of return is the first 24 hours. The attendance voice mail is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is the responsibility of the student and parents to report absences to the school promptly.