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Harrison High School
Attendance Page
In order for a student to experience success at Harrison High School, it is critical that they be present in every class, every day to avoid getting behind and giving up. The purpose of this page is to help the parents and students understand the expectations the board of education has in regards to attendance.
ATTENDANCE POLICY
State Law mandates that students must attend school until they reach the age of 16.
Attendance Policy--Harrison High School
Policy Validation
In a matter related to school attendance and grades, the Michigan Attorney General issued an opinion cited as 1978 OAG 5414 that states the compulsory school attendance law recognizes an educational value in regular attendance at school. The opinion also states that classroom attendance instills a concept of self-discipline, exposes a student to group interactions with teachers and fellow students, and enables a student to hear and participate in class discussion and other related learning experiences. Based on these considerations, the Attorney General concluded that a school district may consider attendance in determining a student’s grade in a course.
Parents are requested to call the High School before school begins, or as soon as possible, if the student will be absent (539-7417). If you are unable to call on the date of absence, please send a note to the office with your student on the following day.
Excessive Absences
After a student’s seventh (7th) absence in a twelve-week trimester, one of the following must occur to obtain credit:
1) The student must be able to attain a minimum of a C+ on the comprehensive final examination, as well as pass the class. If the student does not receive a C+ on the final examination, the student will receive no credit for the course.
*This policy was developed based on the "testing out" guidelines as set forth by the State of Michigan. Under these guidelines, students can earn credit by demonstrating proficiency in specific subjects on a final exam.
2) The student will have the right to an appeal. A successful appeal will allow the student to receive credit for the class with a 60% average in coursework and final examination.
Steps for an Appeal
1. Students may pick up an appeal form in the office and list the dates missed and the reasons for the absences on that form.
2. Form must be filled out and returned to the office before the last day of the trimester.
3. A time will be set for an appeal, either before or after school, in the first week of the following trimester, after exams have been completed. If an appeal is made after 3rd trimester, then a meeting will be held as soon as possible. A parent or legal guardian must attend the appeal with the student.
4. Appeals will be made to an attendance review board comprised of one or more administrator(s) and one or more teacher(s). The attendance review board will determine the validity of the absences. The list of valid reasons could include, but is not limited to, the following: absence due to illness (a doctor’s note is preferred), death of a family member, court appearances, and school-related activities.
All appeals will be determined on a case-by-case basis. If a student has valid reasons for their excessive absences, the appeal board will grant to allow a student to receive credit with 60% in coursework and the final examination. If the student was simply truant, the attendance review board will not grant this exemption.
