• Student Checkout, Attendance, and Absences

    Coming to school every day, ready to learn, is important for your child's success.

    Check Out Process:

    Parents may check out their child between the hours of 8:15 am and 2:30 pm. Please allot an additional 10-15 minutes when checking out a student, our building is big, and it can take some time to make it to the front office. Parents will not be allowed to check out their child after 2:30 pm.

     

    Absences:

     Does My Child Have To Attend School:

    Yes, attendance is required by law.

    N.C. G.S 115C-378 states “(a) Every parent, guardian or custodian in this State having charge or control of a child between the ages of seven and 16 years shall cause the child to attend school continuously for a period equal to the time which the public school to which the child is assigned shall be in session.”

    Who Do I Contact If My Child Will Be Out:

    If your student is going to be out, please contact ALL their teachers, the data manager, and the school social worker. You'll will also need to provide a note within two days of your child's return to school or the absences will be recorded as unexcused. 

    Alston Ridge MS Absence Note

    What Is An Excused Absences:

      • Illness or Injury: When the absence results from illness or injury which prevents the student from being physically able to attend school.
      • Quarantine: When isolation of the student is ordered by the local health officer or by the State Board of Health.
      • Death in the Immediate Family: When the absence results from the death of a member of the immediate family of the student. Immediate family of a student includes, but is not necessarily limited to, grandparents, parents, brothers, and sisters.
      • Medical or Dental Appointments: When the absence results from a medical or dental appointment of a student.
      • Court or Administrative Proceedings: When the absence results from the attendance of a student at the proceedings of a court or an administrative tribunal if the student is a party to the action or under subpoena as a witness. The Local Board of Education can be considered an administrative tribunal.
      • Religious Observance: School principals are required to authorize a minimum of two excused absences each academic year for religious observances required by faith of a student or a student's parents. The student shall be given the opportunity to make up any tests or other work missed due to this excused absence. (S.L. 2010-112)
      • Educational Opportunity: When it is demonstrated that the purpose of the absence is to take advantage of a valid education opportunity, such as travel. Approval for such an absence must be granted prior to the absence. This would include, but is not limited to, a student serving as a legislative page or a governor’s page. outside educational opportunities (you'll need to complete this form in advance)
      • Absence related to Deployment Activities: A student whose parent or legal guardian is an active-duty member of the uniformed services and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or immediately returned from deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting for the purpose of visiting said parent or legal guardian. (G.S. 115C-407.5Article V (E))

    How Many Days Can My Child Miss:

    Your child will need to make up all work he or she missed, as scheduled by the teacher.

    • 3 or More Unexcused Days
      • Your principal or teachers will notify you if there are three or more unexcused absences and will work with you and your child if there is a concern that absences are becoming excessive.
    • 6 or More Unexcused Days
      • Your data manager or social worker will send an attendance letter home. Possible conference to discuss the concerns of the absences if they are becoming excessive.
    • 10 or More Unexcused Days
      • Your data manager or social worker will send an attendance letter home. Possible conference, attendance contract, social services involvement, and/or court involvement.
    • 15 or More Excused AND Unexcused Days
      • Your data manager or social worker will send an attendance letter home. Possible conference, attendance contract, social services involvement, and/or court involvement.

    Can I Send An Email If My Child Will Be Absent:

    Yes, you can send an email; however, the parent has to the email. The child can email the teachers as notice, but we must have a note from a guardian to assess if the absence will be considered as excused.  

    Alston Ridge MS Absence Note

    We Are Traveling And My Child Will Be Doing Their Work Daily, Will This Count As An Excused Absence or Can They Be Marked Present:

    Unfortunately, anything outside of the excused absent reasons above will be counted as an unexcused absence. To be counted as present for in-person students this means that the student must physically be in a seat at the school.


    For more information, review Board Policy 4400.