Attendance

The goals of our District’s attendance requirements are to:
 
1. Contribute to the academic success of students;  
2. Inform parents about their students' class attendance or nonattendance;  
3. Place the responsibility for attendance in the hands of students and their parents;  
4. Aid students in making decisions and accepting the responsibilities and consequences resulting from those decisions;  
5. Stress that punctual and regular attendance is a learned function necessary in coping with life; 
6. Stress attendance may impact grades and credit;  
7. Meet Oregon graduation requirements

Each school shall notify parents/guardians by the end of the school day if their child has an unplanned absence. The notification will be either in person, by telephone, or by another method identified in writing by the parent/guardian. If the parent/guardian cannot be notified by the above methods, a message shall be left, if possible. Persons having legal control of a student ages 7-18 who have not completed the 12th grade are required to have the student attend school and maintain regular attendance.

Direct any questions about our attendance policies to our attendance secretary, Sarah Leland- 971.200.8004 or sleland@scappoose.k12.or.us  

Please be informed that there are legal actions that must be taken if students do not meet the minimum standards for regular attendance.  

All students between the ages of 7-18, who have not completed grade 12, are required to attend school unless otherwise exempted by law. School staff will monitor and report violations of the state compulsory attendance law.
                       
Any parent who fails to send a student to school within three (3) days of notification by the District that their student is not complying with compulsory attendance requirements may be issued a citation by the District for the student’s failure to attend school. Violation is a Class C violation of law and is punishable by a court imposed fine up to $150 as provided by ORS 339.925.

The District will notify the parent in writing that, in accordance with law, the Superintendent will schedule a conference with the non‐attending student and their parent(s)/guardian(s) to discuss attendance requirements. The written notice will include the following:

1. The Superintendent or the designee has the authority to enforce the provisions of the compulsory attendance laws;
2. Failure to send a student to school is a Class C violation;       
3. A citation may be issued by the District in the amount to a $150 fine;
4. A conference with the parent and student is required.
                       
The written notification will be in the native language of the parent.

Additionally, a parent or guardian, or other person lawfully charged with the care of custody of a student under 15 years of age, may be found by the courts to have committed the offense of failing to supervise a child who has failed to attend school as required.

Violations, as determined by the court, may be punishable by a requirement to complete a parent effectiveness program approved by the court and/or a fine of not more than $600.
               
Students who fail to maintain regular enrollment in school may have either their driving privileges suspended or the right to apply for driving privileges suspended.

It is very important that students get to every class on time. When students are late it disrupts the learning of others and the teaching taking place. Being on time is an important skill in life.  When in an employment situation, if an employee is late multiple times it will likely result in discipline at work and potentially the loss of the job.

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The warning bell rings at 8:18 AM and school starts at 8:25 AM. If a student is late for school in the morning, they must check in at the office. A parent can also sign in a student. A tardy may be excused for the following reasons:

• Illness with a note or phone call, unless already truant
• Medical or dental appointments with doctor's note on letterhead
• Death in the family, hospitalization, or major family event
• Extreme weather conditions

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Examples of unexcused tardies are:

• Missing the bus
• Oversleeping
• Babysitting younger siblings
• Car trouble

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If a student is late to a class during the day, they must have a note from a teacher or the office, or the tardy will be unexcused. Excessive tardiness will yield consequences. Total tardy minutes can be compiled and included in total absences for truancy purposes. If tardiness does not improve, the student will be referred to the District Truancy Enforcement Officer.

*3 tardies in one class in one semester= Detention