Absences/Early Dismissals/Late Arrivals

Mon, 12/04/2023 - 12:21pm

Please refer to HCPSS/POLICIES.

Absences

When a student is absent, please email bmmsabsence@hcpss.org and specify a reason for the student’s absence. If an email or note is not received, the absence will remain documented as an unexcused absence. 
 
What is the difference between an excused absence and an unexcused absence?
 
Lawful Absence - An excused absence for any portion of the day under the following conditions:
 
      • Illness of the student
      • Death in the immediate family
      • Court summons
      • Observance of a religious holiday
      • Hazardous weather conditions (as determined by the Superintendent)
      • State emergency (as determined by the Governor)
      • Suspension
      • Lack of authorized transportation (school system transportation)
 
Unlawful Absence - An unexcused absence for any reason other than those cited as lawful is presumed unlawful and may constitute truancy. These can include, but are not limited to:
 
      • Car trouble
      • Traffic
      • No parking
 
The school must receive notification from the parent or physician explaining the absence/tardiness of a student within five (5) school days of the student’s return or the absence/tardiness will be unlawful/unexcused.
 
Late Arrivals 
 
When arriving late, if you are unable to accompany your student into the school, please either send them in with a note or send an email to bmmsabsence@hcpss.org explaining the reason for your student’s tardiness. If you can accompany your student into the school, please bring your phone with you. When you enter the foyer, there is a QR code next to the buzzer that you will scan and then fill in the linked form with all the necessary information to sign your child in.
 
Early Dismissals
 
Please email bmmsabsence@hcpss.org on the day of your student's early dismissal and indicate the time they will be picked up and by whom. Please bring your ID to show the main office. When you enter the foyer, there is a QR code next to the buzzer that you will scan with your phone to sign your child out on the linked form.
 

Discretionary Absences

Please review the guidelines below regarding Local Discretionary Absences from school.

Policy 9010 Implementation Procedures: Attendance details the following about Absences for Discretionary Days:

  • A written request for such absences to be lawful/excused should be submitted at least one week in advance to the principal/designee.
  • Such absences may not occur during exam or state-mandated testing periods unless authorized by the principal/designee.
  • For absences of up to three (3) days, the principal will determine whether the absences will be lawful/excused or unlawful/unexcused. Such absences may include, but are not limited to, the following events directly involving the student: Visits to post-secondary institutions, participation in college orientation programs, scheduled interviews with prospective employers, special family events, including vacations/trips.
  • For absences over three (3) days, the principal in consultation with the Community Superintendent/Director of Schools will determine if the absences will be lawful/excused or unlawful/unexcused.

Students returning from lawful/excused absences have an equal number of days to complete make-up work.

Teachers may assist students returning from unlawful/unexcused absences with makeup work; however, students will not receive credit for such assignments.

Students with unlawful/unexcused absences of 10 consecutive school days or more will be withdrawn from school and may be allowed to re-enroll, provided they meet enrollment requirements, upon their return. 

Policy 9010 Attendance can be viewed in full by clicking this link.

 
Forms
 
Religious Obligation Absence Request - Please complete this form for religious obligation absence.