Attendance Policy - Grades 6-12:
Absenteeism
Students enrolled in Salem Christian School are subject to Pennsylvania’s Compulsory School Attendance Laws, which apply in grades 1 – 12. Regular school attendance is required by the state until the age of seventeen. Under state code, more than 3 days of illegal absences may lead to a fine. All absences and tardies must be accounted for by a parent in writing.
For students to make the best use of educational opportunities at Salem, they must be in class regularly, on time, and prepared. Both home and school must encourage habits of good attendance and preparation. It is essential that each student recognizes the sequential nature of instruction and that any unnecessary or excessive absences severely impedes the education process.
PLEASE NOTE: Since we at Salem are vitally interested in all of our parents and students, we would consider it a privilege to uphold our families in prayer in times of need. Therefore, we encourage you to communicate with us in times of family emergencies. In all such emergency cases, a written explanation describing the reason for the absence is required in the school office the day the student returns to school.
Excused Absences
There are, of course, legitimate reasons for being absent from school. The following list, although not totally inclusive, details valid reasons for student absences. A parental note should be sent to the first period teacher upon the student's return to school, in order for the absence to be excused.
1. Personal Illness Of Student – Student absenteeism for personal illness is considered excused. The illness, of course, must be valid. The administration reserves the right to make a final determination in any questionable cases.
2. Professional Appointments - Parents are asked to avoid scheduling medical or dental appointments during the school day. If it is unavoidable, schedule an early morning appointment. A parent must sign the student out at the office, and a note is required upon return to school. On the day of the appointment, a note should be given to the student’s homeroom teacher in the morning informing him or her of the appointment. Any work missed must be made up.
3. Death Within Family – A death within a student’s immediate or extended family will be considered an excused absence. This absence should not exceed 3 days unless special permission is granted. Absences to attend funerals of non-family members may be requested as approved, unexcused absences.
4. Family Emergencies – This category refers to cases of family illness, hardships, and unexpected circumstances. Because of the nature of these cases, the administration reserves the right to make individual judgments concerning the validity of the requests and the actual number of days excused.
5. Family Vacations - It is best to plan family vacations during school breaks and summer months. However, if a family vacation is planned during school days, the student’s teachers should be notified at least one week prior to the trip, which should not exceed 5 days. Vacation days are not to be taken during examination weeks (i.e., the 5-day period prior to the end of the first semester, standardized test week, and the last 5 days of the school year).
6. College Days – Students in grades 11 and 12 may plan college visits, which will count as excused absences if approved by administration. College visits must be documented by signature and date by a college or university official. Failure to provide acceptable documentation will result in an unexcused absence. College days should not be taken later than April 15 unless required for scholarship considerations (determined by the administration).
7. In-School Suspension – A suspension is counted as an unexcused absence. Prior to the student’s return to classes, parents must first meet with the Principal. Suspended students may not participate in athletic or other extra-curricular activities or events.
8. Approved School Activities – Students missing classes for field trips, athletic contests, music programs, etc. will be considered excused if such activity is sanctioned by the administration as “school business.” These absences will not be recorded on the student’s attendance record.
9. Homebound Instruction – Certain situations may occur (e.g., surgery) that require a student to miss school for an extended length of time. Written verification of such absences is required
10. Miscellaneous – It is possible that occasions may arise other than those listed in this section, necessitating that a student miss school. The administration shall make the sole determination if such an absence is excused or unexcused.
