August 24, 2009

Dear Parents/Guardians:

Hello and welcome to the 2009-10 school year!  My name is Connie Grant, the Attendance Officer at the Academy of Arts, Science & Technology.  If your child is absent, PLEASE call my office directly at 903-8469.  If I am unavailable, leave a voicemail message.  You may also email me at cgrant@horrycountyschools.net

Communication is the key.  My door is always open to both you and your child.

INFORMATION REGARDING ABSENCE & TARDY PROCEDURES:

• Students are only allowed 5 unexcused absences in academic classes.  Students who exceed this number will be denied credit.  Saturday Schools will be offered throughout the year to makeup time from excessive absences.  Dates will be announced.
• On the morning of return to school following an absence, students must turn in a written excuse to my office.  This must be done prior to the tardy bell.
• Following is a list of possible lawful absences that do not count against the total number: 

1)   Illness/Medical Appt./Death in immediate family –documentation MUST be provided

2)   School sponsored trips/activities

3)   Religious holidays

4)   Administrative/Guidance Reasons

5)   Court

6)   Extenuating circumstances approved by the principal

EXCUSES MUST BE BROUGHT WITHIN 5 SCHOOL DAYS OF THE ABSENCE OR IT MAY NOT BE ACCEPTED [R43-274 State Regulations] 

NOTIFICATION: Students are considered TRUANT after 3 consecutive or 5 cumulative absences according to SC law. Letters will be sent home outlining consequences of excessive absences which may include disciplinary action/loss of credit/attendance intervention plans.

TARDIES:  The tardy bell will ring at 8:15 a.m. All tardy students must sign in and receive a pass to class.  The ONLY excused tardy is for a late bus and/or medical/legal note. 

A tardy is defined as not being in your seat with your assigned materials by the time the tardy bell finishes ringing.

• 1^st tardy – Warning
• 2^nd tardy – 30 minutes administrative detention/ parent contact by administration
  
• 3^rd tardy – overnight suspension/ student must bring parent in the next morning to meet with administration
  
• 4^th tardy – ISS/ parent contact by administration
• 5th tardy - OSS/ parent contact by administration
• Subsequent tardies - repeated failure of the student to correct the situation will result in additional referrals for more sever punishment, including possible loss of driving privileges, OSS, or recommendation for expulsion
  

SIGN-OUT:  All students must sign out when leaving the building before 2:45 p.m. regular dismissal time.  A note signed by the parent is required.  If a parent is calling the school for early release, please call 903-8469.  If a parent is picking up their child, please sign them out in my office.  

MAKE SURE ALL CONTACT INFO IS UP TO DATE – Phone numbers, addresses, email, etc.

Thank you in advance for your cooperation and assistance.

Connie Grant

Attendance Officer