It is the policy of the Highline School Board that students are expected to attend all assigned classes each day.
Excused Absences
The following are valid excuses for absences:
- Participation in a district or school approved activity or instructional program
- Illness, health condition or medical appointment for the student or a person for whom the student is legally responsible
- Family emergency including, but not limited to, a death or illness in the family
- Religious or cultural purpose including observance of religious or cultural holiday or participation in religious or cultural instruction
- Court, judicial proceeding, or serving on a jury
- Post-secondary, technical school or apprenticeship program visitation, or scholarship interview
- State-recognized search and rescue activities consistent with RCW 28A.225.055
- Absence directly related to the student’s homeless status
- Absence related to deployment activities of a parent/guardian who is an active duty member consistent with RCW 28A.705.010
- Absence resulting from a disciplinary/corrective action (e.g. suspension or expulsion)
- Principal and parent/guardian/emancipated youth mutually agreed upon activity
When possible, the parent/guardian is expected to notify the school office on the morning of the absence by phone, e-mail or written note and to provide the excuse for the absence. If no excuse is provided with the notification, or no notification is provided, the parent/guardian will submit an excuse via phone, e-mail or written note upon the student’s return to school.
Tardy
The term “tardy” shall be defined as being late to school, class, or an activity, with or without permission of parents/guardian or school personnel.
Unexcused Absences
Any absence from school for the majority of hours or periods in an average school day is unexcused unless it meets one of the criteria above for an excused absence. This includes absences for which no excuse is ever provided. Not later than the student’s fifth unexcused absence in a month the district shall enter into an agreement with the student and parents that establishes school attendance requirements, refer the student to a community truancy board or file a petition and affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010.
If such action is not successful, the district shall file a petition and affidavit with the juvenile court alleging a violation of RCW 28A.225.010 by the parent, student, or parent and student no later than the seventh unexcused absence within any month during the current school year or upon the tenth unexcused absence during the current school year.
