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Tardy Policies

Tardiness

It is very important that students be on time at the beginning of the school day.  School begins promptly at 8:00 am. Students can begin arriving at 7:30 am and ending no later than 8:00am.  Excessive, chronic tardiness will result in similar disciplinary action as defined in the truancy intervention procedures below.

Lawful Tardy

  • Illness of the student 
  • Doctor or dentist appointment 
  • Observance of a religious holiday
  • Court appearance or court ordered activity
  • Teacher, guidance or administrator conference

Unlawful Tardy

  • Illness on part of the student without a written excuse
  • Personal reasons 
  • Oversleeping 
  • Carpool trouble
  • Traffic / Car trouble

Important Notes

Students not present for more than 50% of the school day will be counted as absent for a full day. Absent students may not attend after school enrichments or participate in performances or school events (day or night) on the day of the absence. Suspensions are not counted as unlawful for truancy purposes.  A deadline will be imposed for the work to be made up, and the burden of getting and completing assignments will be on the student.

Early Sign-out On A Regular Basis

Early sign out is only permitted for emergencies and other occasional unavoidable circumstances. Early checkout is not  permitted on a regular basis for programs including but not limited to extracurricular programs, counseling services, private tutoring, and special education therapy programs as students will not meet the Defined Minimum Program Regulation as defined by the SC Dept of Ed R 43-231 & 43-232.

Truancy Intervention Procedures

  1.  When a student accumulates three (3) unlawful absences, the school notifies the parent or guardian by telephone or email.
  2. When a student accumulates three (3) consecutive or a total of five (5) unlawful absences, the principal or designee will complete a truancy evaluation.
    • A conference may be required with student and parent or guardian to develop a truancy intervention plan designed to improve student attendance and eliminate unlawful absences.
    • A written truancy intervention and attendance contract may be signed by all participants with a copy provided to the parent and student.
  3. When a student accumulates two (2) more unlawful absences, the school will update the truancy intervention plan, indicate why the plan was unsuccessful, and make amendments as needed.
  4. In the event that unlawful absences continue, the case will be reviewed for additional interventions and/or further action.  The case may be referred to the Department of Social Services, the Ninth Judicial Circuit Solicitor’s Office for participation in Family  Court, or other interventions.