• The Commonwealth of Virginia has a compulsory attendance law for all students less than 18 years of age.  According to School Board Policy (8-17) all students have a responsibility to attend all scheduled classes and other assigned activities unless excused by the Principal.  Absence from school for any period of time will result in the loss of learning.  Students are required to find out what work has been missed and to make up that work within a reasonable amount of time, regardless of the reason for absence.  

     

    Absences from school are excused with appropriate documentation:

    1.  Personal illness
    2.  Death in family
    3.  Medical or dental appointments
    4.  Court appearances
    5.  Religious holidays

    Parents are requested to use the 24-hour attendance line (571) 252-2002 to notify the school of an absence.  Students may not call themselves in as absent - including students 18 years of age or older.  If the parent has not called the school by 10:00 a.m., the school will make every effort to call the parent to verify the absence.  Any absence not confirmed by the parent within 24 hours will be considered unexcused.

     

    New Policy for Early Dismissal:

    • Students should bring a parent note to the attendance window prior to the start of the school day (9:15 am), or
    • Personal appearance to the main office (with ID) by parent/guardian/emergency contact to release student
    • Students that are 18 years of age or older, will no longer be able to sign themselves out. They must follow the same dismissal procedures as other students.

    We will not accept emails, phone calls, or faxes from parent/guardian to release the student from the school for reasons of safety and security. If a note is not provided in the morning, the parent/guardian must come to school to sign them out for early release. 

     

    Tardies to school- Students arriving tardy to school and to class cause a disruption to the teaching and learning process.  The expectation is that every student be in class on time, ready to learn at the start of the school day and every class period.  Students who are not in class by 9:15 must sign in tardy with the attendance staff in the front foyer and receive a tardy pass to class.  Students that are habitually tardy to school will be referred to their respective school administrator for disciplinary action. 

     

    Absence/Tardies Impact on Athletes and VHSL Participation and other Extracurricular Activities and Events

    In order to participate in an athletic activity or practice on any given day, athletes and managers must report to school by 9:30 am and MUST REMAIN IN SCHOOL THE ENTIRE DAY. Exceptions may be made when a doctor, dentist or judicial note is provided stating that the athlete has been seen. This also applies to Fine Arts productions and concerts.