MCHS Student Handbook

ATTENDANCE REGULATIONS

1. Shelby County Schools require that all students provide proof of residence. NOTE...Should there be any change in a students home address, telephone number or emergency numbers, these changes must be reported to the attendance office immediately.
   
   
2. In accordance with TCA Section 49-6-3001, students who are absent 5 or more days unexcused will be reported to Pupil Service as truant. This is a state requirement.
   
   
3. Once a student is on school property, including parking lots, sidewalks etc. by way of walking, bus or vehicle, he/she may not leave campus until proper “check out” or the end of the school day. Violation of this policy will be considered skipping school and will result in parent conference and ISS.
   
   
4. Regular and punctual attendance to all classes including study hall and first period is an obligation and responsibility of each student.
   
   
5. A one-minute warning bell will help students’ execute on time arrival to class. If students are not in the classroom when the bell rings to begin class, they are considered to be tardy.
   
   
6. Students who are less than five minutes tardy to class will be given a tardy notice. Three tardy notices will result in an ISS assignment.
   
   
7. Tardy of over 5 minutes to any class without a note will be considered class cutting and will result in 3 days of ISS.
   
   
8. Students who are out of a class without prior written permission from the assigned classroom teacher, counselor or administrator are considered to be “‘CUTTING CLASS”. Students who cut class will receive 3 days of ISS or OSS.
   
   
9. Study hall is a non-credit class, however attendance is required.
   
   
10. All absences are recorded UNEXCUSED until the student brings the appropriate excused note signed by a parent/guardian. Notes should have student’s name and social security number, dates of and reason for the absence. The note should be signed by parent/guardian with contact phone number.
    
    
11. Students who check in late due to illness, and are escorted by a parent or guardian to the attendance office, will be excused. After 10 or more absences (excused or unexcused) parents must provide documentation from a doctor in order to receive an excused absence for reason of illness.
    
    
12. An automated School Messenger Service may be available to contact a student’s parents or guardian to report their student’s absences.
    
    
13. Only the parent, guardian or designated person listed on a student’s demographic sheet will be allowed to check a student out of school.
    
    
14. Students who plan to leave school (check out) for family or medical reasons must bring a note to the attendance office before 7:00 a.m. requesting check out permission. The note must have student's first and last name, date of absence, a confirmation telephone number and be signed by the parent/guardian. All notes will be confirmed before a student is issued a checkout slip. Without confirmation students will not be allowed to leave campus.
    
    
15. Before leaving school, for any reason during the school day, students must “sign out” in the attendance office and receive a check out slip. Leaving campus without parent knowledge or principal permission is (skipping) truancy and will result in ISS or OSS.
    
    
16. MCHS is governed by a “closed campus” regulation and students may not leave campus for lunch. Also, outside food deliveries will not be allowed.
    
    
17. All students who participate in any extracurricular activity [athletics, band, chorus, etc.] must be present at least three full periods during the school day in order to practice or to participate in a regularly scheduled event. In a questionable situation the principal will make the final decision.
    
    
18. There are NO “senior skip days”. College visits are allowed only, if a student meets attendance and academic standards and must be approved through the guidance department before the visit in order for the absence to be excused.
    
    
19. Students who choose not to ride the bus to school and arrive late for any reason will receive an unexcused tardy.
    
    
20. Driver license forms are issued through the attendance office. A student must pass 3 full units in the previous semester and have less than 15 total or 10 consecutive unexcused absences in current semester to be eligible. Certificates are valid for 30 days. Plan accordingly.