Absence

     When a student is absent from school, a parent or guardian is required to call the office by 9:00 AM each day of the absence. If the office does not receive a call, a parent will be contacted. This policy is for the protection of our St. James students.

     A written statement giving reasons for the absence or tardiness must be brought to the student’s teacher upon the student’s return.  Should absence for any reason other than illness seem imperative, parents are requested to consult with the Principal and present a written reason for the absence.

     The school calendar provides for extended weekends throughout the school year.  Parents are encouraged to schedule trips or family outings during these times so as to eliminate the need to interrupt a child’s learning process. Missed assignments are the student’s responsibility to make up. 

Excessive absence (40 days or more), can be cause for a student to be retained in the current grade for another year.

 Homework Policy Due to Illness

     When a student is absent for three or more days, a parent may call the school office before 9:30 AM to arrange for homework assignments.  Homework assignments may be picked up at the school office between 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM.

    For short absences, students should make arrangements with classmates regarding assignments.  Students may also, receive missed assignments from their teacher when they return to school.

     Students who are absent due to illness have one day for each day of absence to make up the missed assignments.  For example, a student who was absent three days would be given three school days to complete the missed work.

 Teachers are not required to give make-up tests or assignments for absences due to vacations.   No assignment will be given in anticipation of the vacation. 

     Arrangements for regular classroom tests missed because of absence are to be made with the individual teachers.  These tests must be taken within one week of the original test date.

Tardiness

     At 7:50 a.m. the general entrance gym doors will be closed.  Students arriving at school after 7:50 a.m. are required to enter via the office/green door and with a parent or responsible adult and report to the school office and be signed in. They may not, for the safety of the student, be admitted to the classrooms without a tardy slip. 

     Medical or “excused” tardy arrivals must present a doctor’s note when signing in at the office.  Parents of students who accumulate 5 unexcused tardies will have to have a meeting with the school principal.   

 Absence During the School Day

Students needing medical appointments during school hours require a written note by the parent.  Parents are required to sign out their child in the school office.  Students, who are away from school for an appointment for 3 ½ hours or more will be counted as absent for ½ a day.