Absence Policy

It is the belief of the Governing Board that public education is important in today’s society.  The attainment of academic excellence requires attendance on a daily basis.  Arizona State Law (A.R.S. 15-802) requires attendance at school.  A parent or legal guardian failing to do so may be guilty of a Class 3 misdemeanor (A.R.S. 15-802(c)  A child who is habitually truant may be found to be an incorrigible child. (A.R.S. 8-201(13).  A student who’s absence total 24 or more in a school year and who’s absences have materially affected his academic progress may be retained due to the negative effect on the grade (Paradise Valley School Board Policy JED).
 
In order to avoid a reported tardy for a student, the bell rings at 8:55 a.m. and classes begin at 9:00 a.m.  Instruction commences after morning announcements and it is to a child’s advantage and less disruptive to the class for everyone to be present when the teacher begins the direction for the day.
 
“Any absence due to a student’s participation in a religious exercise, observance or instruction shall be excused if the parent/guardian gives prior written consent to the school office.”  If your child will participate in a religious exercise, observance, or instruction, please send a written note to the school office before the scheduled absence.
 

 
If you need your child to be excused from classes early -
In order to have a child released from school early you must come to the office and sign the student out. Students will be released only to their parents or designated representative. This designation must be in writing. Do not go to the classroom teacher.
 
A written request to have a child excused from classes early should be sent with the child on the morning of the dismissal.  The time and reason for leaving should be included.  When possible, medical and dental appointments should be made outside of school hours.  A child will be released only to the parents/guardian with identification unless the school has been notified in writing by the parents/guardian that they have granted permission for someone else with identification, and listed on the child’s emergency card, to pick up their youngster.

The office is open at 8 a.m. each morning.