Students are expected to be in class every day, ON TIME. While the school offers guidelines regarding maximum allowable numbers of absences, academic success is possible only when students are in regular attendance. After a student has missed ten class periods (in a double period class, each class period is counted separately), on the occurrence of the 11th absence, the registrar automatically amends the records to show that the course is being pursued on an AUDIT BASIS, regardless of the grade in the course. In this event, the student is required to continue attending the course and is responsible for fulfilling all assignments on a timely basis.
At the end of the semester, students on audit status may appeal for reinstatement of credit by completing the following process:
- completing all course assignments and obtaining a letter from the teacher confirming that all work has been satisfactorily completed,
- arranging a meeting with the Dean of Students to develop a schedule for making up the time missed from class and for any special project work,
- submitting a letter of appeal to the Assistant Head of School who will review the requests for reinstatement of credit.
At the conclusion of the semester and after consultation with faculty, a decision will be made whether or not to reinstate credit. Students who are absent more than 11 class periods are required to make up the time they missed in addition to the assignments. Students who miss half or more of the scheduled class periods will be required to attend summer school to make up the course.
Please note: An excused absence does not “excuse” a student from school or his/her school obligations. An excused absence only means that a parent or guardian is aware that their child is not in school on a particular day and that the school has been notified.
EXCUSED ABSENCES for appointments, illness, college visits, etc. are recorded as absences; so students and families are asked to plan accordingly.
Further, it is expected that students will not plan or participate in individual or group “skip” days. Students participating in such activities can expect to receive zeros for that day’s assignments and tests in all classes without the option of being able to make up the work. Skipping school is contradictory to school policy and is considered unacceptable behavior for a Newman student.