Prearranged Absences & Tardy Policy

Absences for school-related activities, such as athletic competition, student government functions, performance groups, and field trips are called Hawk Absences.  Sponsors must arrange for the students to obtain all signatures from all classes at least six (6) school days prior to the activity to receive a Hawk Absence and students must obtain all signatures before the six (6) day deadline. If this six (6) day notice is not met, then the student runs the risk of not attending the event. Students should make arrangements with their teachers to meet any class/assignment responsibilities. Students in excess of five (5) absences may not be allowed to attend events that require a Hawk Absence.  

Occasionally, families are left with little option but to take students out of school for an extended period of time.  Family emergencies, college visits and planned, or unexpected, vacation opportunities are among the reasons students may be taken out of school for an extended period of time.  No one questions the important educational value a visit to other places in the world can have on a student.  Learning takes place in many places outside the classroom.  However, expecting a student to receive the same benefit from completing paperwork as opposed to participating in a classroom environment is asking a lot of the student and teacher.  If an absence like this is unavoidable, please contact the office as soon as possible.  You will be asked to complete a form indicating the reason for the absence and obtain the signature of each teacher.  Sometimes it is possible to provide students with assignments before their absence.  However, that is the option of the teacher.  Please remember, instructional time is an asset that, once missed, is irretrievable. 

 

Getting to school and class on time is a valued employability skill. The expectation at Volcano Vista High School is that students are in class when the bell rings. In light of the most recent District Policy changes to attendance/tardies there will be adjustments made to the tardy policy that was recently sent out in our registration newsletter on July 18th. 

When a student is tardy they will no longer be held in the disciplinary action center in order to not interfere with the academic learning environment. They will however, be expected to adhere to each individual teacher's tardy policy that may impact their academic standing. The expectation continues to be that parents/guardians review each syllabi with their student.

Additionally, students will be written a referral at their 4th tardy along with parent contact. If behavior is not corrected, at the 8th tardy, another contact will be made, a second referral will be written and a request will be made for a parent teacher conference. 

At the 10th tardy the student will be assigned lunch detention.

Teacher Managed Tardies:

When tardy students make it to their class, their teacher will:

• Admit the student into the classroom

• Record the tardy in Synergy

• Tardy defined as 50% (or less) of the class period. 

Teacher managed tardies reset at the end of each semester