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Shelley School District

Today's Students, Tomorrow's Success

District Attendance Policy

Regular school attendance is essential for student learning and success.

Attendance at Shelley School District

Students benefit most when they are consistently present and engaged with their teachers, classmates, and school staff. In accordance with Idaho law and Shelley School District policy, students are expected to attend all assigned classes each school day.

Why attendance matters

When students attend school consistently, they are more likely to:

  • Stay on track academically
  • Build strong habits of responsibility and punctuality
  • Stay connected to teachers, classmates, and school activities

District attendance expectations

Teachers maintain records of student attendance and tardiness. If a student is absent and the absence has not been reported, the school will make reasonable efforts to contact the parent or legal guardian before the end of the school day to confirm the student’s absence.

According to Idaho law and School Board policy, students must be in attendance for at least 90% of the time each class is in session in order to receive credit. Students who do not meet this requirement may be denied credit, except when credit is granted through the attendance appeal process outlined in Board Policy 3050.

 

Attendance PolicyAnnual Calendar

 

High school attendance guidelines

At Shelley High School, students may miss up to 7 classes per semester and still earn credit unless there are extraordinary circumstances. If a student exceeds that limit, attendance make-up time or an appeal may be required.

Absences per class at the end of the term:

  • 8 absences = 1 hour of attendance make-up time
  • 9 absences = 2 hours of attendance make-up time
  • 10 absences = 3 hours of attendance make-up time
  • 11 or more absences = appeal to the Superintendent to determine whether credit may be regained

SHS Handbook

Important reminders for families

  • Parents/guardians should clear absences with the school office before or on the day of the absence.
  • Students must check out through the office before leaving school during the day. Leaving without checking out may be considered truancy.
  • Verified absences still count toward the attendance limit for credit purposes. This includes absences for illness, doctor appointments, family vacations, and similar reasons.
  • School-excused absences, such as sports, music, or field trips, do not count toward the attendance limit.

Tardies and truancy

Attendance includes arriving on time and remaining in class. Tardiness and unexcused absences interfere with learning and may result in school consequences. Truancy is defined as being absent from school or class without proper authorization.

Questions or concerns

If your student has extenuating circumstances affecting attendance, please contact your school office or building administration as soon as possible. School staff can help families understand options, requirements, and the attendance appeal process.

Full policy

For the full official Board Policy, please refer to Board Policy 3050 – Attendance Policy. The district’s 3000 Series student policies are maintained in the district policy manual.

Questions or concerns

If your student has extenuating circumstances affecting attendance, please contact your school office or building administration as soon as possible. School staff can help families understand options, requirements, and the attendance appeal process.

Why Attendance Matters

Academic Achievement

 

Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time, and pursue higher education opportunities.

Social and Emotional Development

 

School provides a supportive environment where students can develop social skills, build friendships, and enhance their emotional well-being.

Future Success

 

Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.

Shelley School District's Commitment

  • Clear Attendance Policies

    We maintain clear and consistent attendance policies, emphasizing the importance of regular school attendance.

  • Supportive Environment

    We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel valued and connected.

  • Early Intervention

    We identify and address attendance concerns early, working collaboratively with families to find solutions.

  • Community Partnerships

    We collaborate with community partners to provide resources and support to families facing barriers to attendance.

Attendance Tips

Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can. 

 

Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home.  If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator. 

Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning.  If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal. 

 

Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours.  Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience. 

We believe that strong partnerships between families and schools are essential for ensuring student success. By working together, we can create a culture of attendance where every student feels motivated and supported to attend school every day.