The Principal’s Point of View: February 13, 2008

Snow days give many of us time to do the things we want to do and can’t seem to get done in the regular routine of busy school days. It is quiet in the office on snow days and I have found the time to comment on a few issues that have been in question lately. I hope this information helps you understand "the Principal’s Point of View".

Part of the Ohio Department of Education’s push with the school report cards and accountability has focused on school attendance. All research shows, (and most of us have already figured this out) school attendance is one of the most important variables in student achievement. Recently, in an effort to meet the state requirement of 93% attendance rate, I sent a memo to teachers to help remind students of our attendance policy, listed in our student handbook. The student attendance policy is not new and was actually in place before I became Principal at Logan Elm High School. It is found on page 4 of the student handbook and reads: "Students may accrue five (5) absences per semester or ten (10) per school year. Students accruing more than five (5) absences per semester or ten (10) per school year may be considered habitually absent and may be referred to the Attendance Officer and/or Juvenile Court. Absences beyond the five (5) per semester or ten (10) per school year limit will be considered unexcused unless the student provides a written excuse from a physician, dentist, optometrist, psychologist, or other health care provider within 3 days of return to school".

Again, this policy is not new but I felt it important to have teachers review this with students. Also, the class absence policy reads that students accruing more than 3.5 absences (parent excused and/or unexcused) in a class during a quarter (9 weeks) may receive no credit for the grading term even though the absences were excused by the parent.

I understand that there are some times when circumstances are beyond our control and I am willing and have made some exceptions to this policy. Please feel free to call me if you have questions or concerns.

It is sad that we have to stress attendance so much but over the years I have known students to be absent because of numerous activities that certainly could be taken care of outside of the school day. So, I guess it is these choices that we want you to think about when missing school. We understand that life has tragic events as well as celebrations within our families and attention to these is also important. School attendance is reflected on the student’s report card and is a habit to establish for life; good attendance on the job is of the utmost importance also.

On another note, we are taking suggestions on how to change the Renaissance program for one final exam exemption based on "perfect attendance". Look for some changes in next year’s program and if you would like to comment on this, give Mr. Williams or me a call.

Thanks for taking the time to read this "point of view" and I hope your snow days are happy days!

Related Links:
Logan Elm Attendance FAQ