It is the policy of Palo Verde High School to 1) encourage maximum attendance on the part of students; and 2) require absent students to explain their absences.

Palo Verde High School will apply the six(6) unapproved absence limitation to all classes. We will deny credit on the 7th unapproved absence (those designated for attendance enforcement purposes) in each class. Changes made by CCSD supersede the PVHS handbook.

Approved Absences

A student is physically or mentally unable to attend school due to a medical appointment or illness;
The written approval of the principal has been given upon the request of the parent within three (3) days of the student's return from the absence;
The approval of the principal has been given for an unavoidable absence due to an emergency;
Absences have been prearranged, upon the prior written request of a parent or legal guardian; all prearranged absences (ten or fewer) will be approved;
The student is absent due to a required court appearance or a required religious holiday.

Unapproved Absences

Not approved in writing in advance;
Not due to the physical or mental inability of the student to attend school;
Parent/guardian failed to notify the school in writing of the student's inability to attend school within three days of the occurrence;
Prearranged absences over ten.
Student leaves campus without a passport.

Prearranged Absences

Must be requested in advance in writing;
Forms available in attendance office;
After ten prearranged absences, the absences will be counted as unapproved and will count toward loss of credit.

Absence Notes

For an absence to be approved, students must bring a note to the attendance office within three days of the last absence. This note must contain:

Loss of Credit Appeals

If a student has exceeded six (6) unapproved absences in a class, that student will lose credit in the class. Parents have three days after receipt of the loss of credit letter to request an appeal if they believe that there is an error in the attendance record or that an extenuating circumstance exists. Appeals can be scheduled with Mr. Fick, Assistant Principal, by calling 799-1450 ext. 4206.

Questions about an Attendance Record

If you have questions about your student's attendance record, call Stephanie Stucki in the attendance office at 799-1450 ext. 4035.

Palo Verde begins new Tardy Policy

On Monday, September 11, 2006, Palo Verde High School will begin a new tardy policy. The goal of the new policy is to get students to class on time – every day, all day.

The policy incorporates the ideals of progressive discipline, beginning with minor consequences with consequences growing in severity with each additional tardy.

The policy’s implementation is simple – tardy students are required to report to the Cafeteria/Deans' Officeto receive a deans’ Admit Slip. The Admit Slip will serve as both a pass to class and a record of disciplinary action.

Disciplinary action will be progressive:

Additional tardiness will result in disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the deans’ office.

Tardiness is a major disruption to instruction. Teachers and students who are engaged in the daily lesson are hindered by those students who interrupt the classroom by arriving late.

To speak to the deans’ office concerning this policy or to set an appointment, please call 799-1450 (ext. 4500).