Attendance

Class attendance is important for academic growth and the development of a sense of responsibility. Most subject materials are presented in a sequential manner. When a student is not present, a “gap” in learning can result. Clarification, discussion, and instruction are also lost when a student is not in class. Therefore, any unnecessary absences are to be avoided. It is also beneficial for students to learn that time commitments are important; this accountability follows them throughout their lives. Promptness also allows students time to organize him/herself prior to the starting of class. A final consideration is the effect of tardiness on classmates and teachers. Everyone is affected when the class is interrupted by a student arriving late.

MPCS takes an ardent position that regular class attendance is essential for academic continuity and progress. Parents should do whatever necessary to ensure consistent class attendance by their children. Regular tardiness is also viewed as unacceptable behavior by students and will also be addressed by the school’s administration. Parents should note the following regarding attendance and punctuality:

• Parents are strongly discouraged from planning family or other non-school related trips at times that do not correspond to MPCS designated breaks.

• Parents will be notified when a student has reached an unacceptable number of absences during the semester. If the problem persists, disciplinary action will be taken regarding student truancy. Absences may also result in grade failure, lead to repeating a grade, or grade remediation.

• Due to best practices, as well as GHSA regulations, no student who is absent for more than half a day will be permitted to participate in any school-related activity the evening of the school absence.

• Parents should always avoid enabling children by excusing them (i.e. checking them out of school) due to pressures of exams or unpreparedness on the part of a student.

• Parents will be notified by the school administrator when a student has been tardy for what is determined to be an excessive number of times. If tardiness persists, disciplinary action will be taken against the student, if the tardies are a result of student, rather than parental, issues.

• A student who exhibits a pattern of consistent tardiness or absence may be prohibited from re-enrollment.

• Parents/guardians and students are reminded of the school’s yearly calendar, which provides sufficient vacation periods.

• Early check-outs from school are discouraged.