In the School
Attendance
Excused Absences
In the interest of sound academics, absences of students should be limited to sickness and illness or deaths in the immediate family.
A student is to bring a note from a parent stating the reason for the absence on the day that he/she returns to school. Failure to comply can result in detention and/or suspension.
Students with excused absences will be permitted to make up missed assignments.
A note requesting early dismissal of a student must be presented at the beginning of the school day and must have a phone number where a parent may be reached.
Parents are to pick up their children at the office rather than in the classroom.
Unexcused Absences
A student who misses school for an unacceptable reason may receive "0" for all work missed and will not be permitted to make up the assignments.
Second offense: May result in a two-hour work detention after school hours.
Third offense: May bring about an in-school suspension for one day.
Fourth offense: The student will be sent home and may not be permitted to return without a parental conference with administrator. Student must be present at the conference.
Board Policy on All Absences
Students in grades 9 – 12 missing in excess of ten days in a class per semester will not receive credit for that class. If an extenuating circumstance should arise, the parent, student and administration must meet to discuss that situation. Please note that the accreditation of Amelia Academy through the Virginia Independent School Association requires we meet the proper number of classroom hours for the student to receive credit.
Tardiness to School
Students who report to school after 8 a.m. must have a note at the time of arrival to be excused from being tardy. If a student is tardy to school more than nine days per semester, excused or unexcused or has three unexcused days to school tardy, the parent will notified and a conference will be necessary with the administrator, student and parent. Additional days tardy to school will lead to detention and possible suspension from classes. Continued violations after the above penalties will necessitate a meeting of the parent and student with the Board.
Tardiness to Class
The teacher will mark a student who is late to a class tardy. This tardy will be considered unexcused unless the student has a written note signed by an administrator, teacher or office personnel. Students are expected to be seated in all classes, before the ringing of the tardy bell. The bell signifies that the student is tardy. Students who are tardy to class more than three times during a semester should receive the following consequences:
- On the fourth tardy, teacher and student should have a conference about the problem. Teacher should call the parent about the conference and discussion with the student.
- On the fifth tardy, the teacher will notify the parent and request a conference with the parent and student.
- On the sixth tardy, the student is referred to the office and will be assigned after-school detention, and the parent will be notified.
- On the seventh tardy, the student is referred to the office and will be assigned in-school suspension, and the parent will be notified.
- On the eighth tardy, the student is referred to the office and may be assigned out-of-school suspension, and a parental conference with the administrator is required.
- On the ninth tardy, the student is referred to the office. The parent and student may be requested to meet with the Board to discuss the problem and necessary consequences.
Teachers should document and file the dates of all tardies (may be kept in attendance book). All contacts with parents should be documented and filed; documentation should include date, the person contacted and the response of the student and/or parent.
Leaving School Grounds
Students are not permitted to leave the school grounds during the school day unless they receive permission from the office and a parent. Failure to comply may result in parental notification and referral to administration for disciplinary action.