Attendance Policy

Research indicates a positive correlation between attendance and grades. Parents are encouraged to maintain a close contact with the school so that a joint effort might be made to prevent the development of attendance and discipline problems.

A student’s attendance is essential to learning – learning that includes not only factual subject matter, but also attendance habits, work habits, attitudes, and ideals. Poor attendance interrupts the process of education. It also impedes the continuity of the lessons presented, the ability of the students to understand and gain insight from the classroom experiences, and the students’ ability to establish proper work habits. Whether the goal is the work force or post-secondary education, students need to come to school every day and benefit from interaction, discussion, and teacher support available during class time. Every absence, whether excused or not, interrupts the student’s understanding of the material being presented and weakens his/her interests in the continuing program.

Students who have good attendance records generally achieve higher grades, enjoy school more, and are much more employable after leaving high school. At the end of the year, each student’s daily attendance data is transferred to his/her permanent records. Attendance is also recorded on all students’ transcripts. Regular school attendance improves learning, establishes dependable work habits, and allows students to take full advantage of the educational opportunities necessary for their development as students and responsible adults.

The State of Indiana places education at the top of its priorities. Accordingly, it is incumbent upon BDHS to use every reasonable measure to assist students in developing positive attendance habits. The Indiana Compulsory Attendance Law requires students to attend school regularly. The responsibility for a student being present in school rests with the student and his/her parents. The school will assist the parents and student in this responsibility. The cooperation of the student, parents and the school is essential in providing a firm framework for the student to achieve the fundamental foundation of regular school attendance. In preparation for life-long learning, students and parents or guardians must assume responsibility for achieving excellent attendance.

When a student is absent from school, the following procedure must be followed:

1. It is expected that a parent or guardian call the attendance voice mail (317-988-7300) before 10:30 a.m. of the day the absence occurs to notify the school of the absence.

The following should be included on the voice mail message:

• The student’s name (first, middle, and last) and grade (Please include the correct spelling of the name.)
• The name of the person making the call and the relationship to the student
• The reason for the absence
• The date(s) of the absence(s) and periods if not the entire day
• A telephone number so the call can be verified

2. If a parent does not have access to a phone, a note from the parent/legal guardian will be accepted on the day the student returns to school. If the absence is due to a medical, dental, or other professional appointment, a note of verification from the place of business is required. The note should include the date, time, and length of the appointment on professional letterhead with phone number and address.

3. It is preferred that all phone calls and verification notes be received by the Attendance Office within 48 hours of the student’s return to school. The timely submission of documentation assists in maintaining accurate record of your student’s attendance. The attendance voice mail is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. It is the responsibility of the student and parents to report absences to the school promptly.

Classification/Definitions

Absences shall be classified as Excused, Unexcused, and Documented in accordance with the following definitions:
1. Excused (Counts toward attendance limit) Students receive 100% credit for makeup work
A. Illness/Injury with parent call but no doctor visit (first nine absences only)
B. Pre-arranged approved absences (requires three [3] day prior notice) *see Pre-arranged Absences
C. Any absence approved by the administration
D. Bereavement (Father, Mother, Sibling, Grandparent, Aunt, Uncle)
2. Unexcused (Counts toward attendance limit) *students receive no less than 70% credit for makeup work
A. Absences not verified – no note, no phone call
B. Cutting Class
C. Truancy/Leaving School without permission
D. Missing the Bus
E. Car Trouble
F. Oversleeping
G. Assumed School Closing (when the school district does not officially declare school closed)
H. Working
I. Babysitting
3. Documented (All the below are accompanied by proper documentation, preferably within 48 hours of returning to school, and Does Not count toward attendance limit) *Students make up work for full credit.
A. Documented Death in the Immediate Family (See 1D Bereavement)
B. Court Appearance
C. Doctor visit
D. Hospital Stay
E. Incarceration
F. Military Business
G. *Suspensions (ISS, OSS)
1. OSS student receives no less than 70% credit for makeup work
2. ISS student receive 100% credit for makeup work
Exceptions to compulsory attendance designated in the law and for which the student’s absence is not to be recorded or penalty awarded are:
A. Ordered to Active Duty in the Indiana National Guard
B. Service as a Page or as an Honoree of the Indiana General Assembly
C. Service on the election board, or assist in the election process
D. Appearance by Subpoena in Court
E. Authorized School Field Trip
F. Absences Due to Bus Problems
G. Jointly appointed by the governor and the superintendent of public instruction to serve as a member of the state standards task force
All absences in this category must be supported by appropriate documentation.

Additional information can be found in the Student Handbook here.