Handbook Changes for 2017-2018 School Year
Attendance Policy – MCE 2300
Missouri school law 167.031 requires every parent, or other person in the state having charge, control, or custody of a child between the ages of 7 and 17 years shall cause the child to attend regularly some day school, public, private or parochial or parish, not less than the entire time the school which the child attends is in session or shall provide the child at home regular instruction during the usual school hours which shall, in the judgment of the court or competent jurisdiction, be at least substantially equivalent to the instruction given to the children of like age in the day school in the locality in which the child resides.
The Sheldon Board of Education believes that regular attendance is essential to achieving success in school. Education is a total process based upon continual communication and shared responsibilities among parents, students, teachers and school. As students mature and progress through the educational system, they should increasingly assume responsibility for regular attendance. However, parents have a legal and moral responsibility to require regular attendance at school.
Absences for school sponsored or school sanctioned activities will not count towards the eight allowable absences. All truancy will be counted towards the eight allowed absences. Parental notes and calls are needed and appreciated to readmit the student after an absence or alert us before an absence, but does not excuse the absence.
Elementary and Middle School Attendance
If it is necessary for a student to be absent, parents should call the school the morning of the absence or (s)he should return to school with a note to the office, from a parent or doctor and be prepared to make up any missed class work. Absences having written verification from the proper medical authorities will be accepted for special consideration. Excessive absences during the school year may jeopardize the promotion of a student to the next grade as well as result in a possible referral to the Division of Family Services or the Juvenile Office. Letters will be sent home reminding parents of the attendance policy after the 3rd, 5th, and 7th absence. Referrals may be made to DFS or the Juvenile office after 8 absences. The Principal will analyze extenuating circumstances.
High School Attendance
In addition to the specific academic requirements in each class, an acceptable attendance rate must be maintained. To maintain an acceptable rate, a student may miss no more than eight (8) times per class per semester. Policy exceptions may be granted for extenuating circumstances only. Absences having written verification from the proper medical authorities will be accepted for special consideration by the attendance committee. Letters will be sent home reminding parents of the attendance policy after the 3rd, 5th, and 7th absence per class per semester. Referrals may be made to DFS or the Juvenile office after 8 absences. The Principal will analyze extenuating circumstances.
When a student reaches nine (9) absences the parent and the student will receive a letter notifying them that the student has exceeded the days of absence allowed (8) and that the student may receive a no-credit in that specific class or classes. An appeals committee will be available for any student who exceeds the 8-day limit and feels that extenuating circumstances were present. The committee will be comprised of the Principal, Building Counselor, one school board member, and two teachers appointed by the Principal. In order to address extenuating circumstances and afford due process, the attendance committee will meet at the end of the semester or as needed with parents/guardians, and/or students who have accumulated more than 8 absences in a class. At that time the student and parent or guardian will present to the committee any conditions that might be a justifiable reason for any excessive absences. Final appeal may be made to the superintendent and school board.
(23) Bullying/Cyberbullying- (MCE #2655)
1st Violation: 1-3 days detention, 1-10 days ISS or OSS depending on severity, PC
2nd Violation: 1-10 days ISS or OSS depending on severity, PC, Contact SRO or Juvenile Officer
3rd Violation: 1-10 days OSS depending on severity, PC, Contact SRO or Juvenile
4th Violation: Up to 180 of OSS at the desecration of the Administration, PC, Contact SRO or Juvenile Officer
***Threatening, harassing, or intimidating any student or multiple students including, but not limited to physical actions, including violence, gestures, theft, or damaging property; oral or written taunts, including name-calling, put-downs, extortion, or threats; threats of retaliation for reporting such acts; sending or posting harmful or cruel text or images using the internet or other digital communication devices; sending or posting materials that threaten or raise concerns about violence against others, suicide or self-harm. This offense in conjunction with physical force is grounds for immediate OSS.