The attendance policy adopted by the Clark County School District Board of Trustees, CCSD Regulation 5113, states that secondary students who exceed ten (10) unapproved absences in any course will not earn credit for that course. The students may be retained in the current grade or be referred to an alternative education program.
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 ten(10) unapproved absence limitation to all classes. We will deny credit on the 11th 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:
| A) full name of the student; B) student's grade and student number; C) date(s) of the illness; D) specific illness (i.e., flu, measles); F) full name of the parent (printed and signed); G) telephone number of parent. |
Loss of Credit Appeals
If a student has exceeded ten (10) 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 Ms. Pinjuv, Assistant Principal, by calling 799-1450 ext. 4204.
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 12, 2011, 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.
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.
The policy incorporates the ideals of progressive discipline, beginning with minor consequences with consequences growing in severity with each additional tardy.
The policy incorporates the ideals of progressive discipline, beginning in the classroom and progressing to the Deans’ Office.
Students will no longer be provided tardy slips from the deans. Upon entering school or a classroom tardy, students will go directly to their classroom where progressive discipline begins.
Disciplinary action will be progressive:
| 1st Tardy | Verbal Warning |
| 2nd Tardy | Verbal Warning |
| 3rd Tardy | Verbal Warning |
| 4th Tardy | Parent Signature |
| 5th Tardy | Counselor Referral |
| 6th Tardy | Required Parent Conference |
| 7th Tardy | Progressive Discipline |
Additional tardiness will result in disciplinary action deemed appropriate by the deans’ office.
To speak to the deans’ office concerning this policy or to set an appointment, please call 799-1450 (ext. 4500).
| Please consider these guidelines to assist you when you have questions, concerns, or ideas that require the attention of school district personnel: English or Spanish |