Attendance

A student's academic success directly links to regular attendance and punctuality. Important work occurs in classes each day and the opportunity for teachers and students to interact is the basis for high academic achievement. The quality of these experiences cannot be duplicated. Instructional contact is essential to a student's academic progress and mastery of skills and knowledge. Absences, whether excused or unexcused, affect academic performance and grades.

School begins at 7:35 AM and concludes at 2:30 PM. Parkway South High is not an open campus. Students are expected to arrive on time and attend classes throughout the school day. Parents are encouraged to check their student's attendance regularly. A teacher or administrator will notify parents regarding excessive absences. Students will be required to serve extended detentions, including; lunch, 1-hour and 3-hour detentions for unexplained absences or tardies. If students have unexcused absences, they may be denied make-up work privileges.

Since punctuality and attendance are important to life in a democratic society, repeated unexcused absences and tardies may affect a student's citizenship grade. Certain privileges may also be contingent upon a student's successful response to their attendance. Examples include, but are not limited to, driving to the campus and parking (juniors and seniors only), senior out-to-lunch passes, and participation in school activities. In addition, prospective employers and college admissions officers often check citizenship marks and records of attendance.

Verifying a Student's Absence

The school may excuse a student’s absence based upon a parental explanation within 24 hours of his or her student’s absence. When a student is absent, a parent verifies his or her student’s absence in one of the following ways:

WITHIN 24 HOURS OF THE ABSENCE

Parents may call the main office at (314) 415-7700 between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM to speak directly with the school receptionist to verify their student’s absence.
Before 7:00 AM or after 4:00 PM, parents may leave a voice message (within 48 hours of the absence) at (314) 415-7726 to verify a student’s absence. Parents are encouraged to call the day of the absence. Written notes are not accepted.

Policies

Excused vs Unexcused Absences

An absence remains unexcused unless verified by a parent or guardian:

Absences are typically excused for the following reasons:

Illness of the student
Death in the student’s immediate family
Certain days for religious observance
Medical or dental appointments
Court appearance
Planned absence with prior approval and for an approved reason (See Planned Absence under Procedures above)
Field trips
Emergency or set of circumstances that in the judgment of the principal, constitutes a reasonable cause of absence from school.

Oversleeping, car trouble, traffic, running parental errands, babysitting, etc., are not considered emergencies and will be marked unexcused.

Tardies and Single Period Absences

AcLab and MODs

Unexplained Absences

Work missed due to an unexplained absence may only be made up within the guidelines set forth by each teacher. You may be denied make-up privileges.

Parents have 48 hours to call and explain an absence.
A single unexcused absence will result in the consequence of an extended detention (Tuesday or Thursday).
A full-day unexcused absence will result in the consequence of 2 to 3 extended detentions (Tuesday or Thursday). Repeated unexcused absences may result in a short-term assignment to In-School Suspension and/or a behavior contract. Unexcused absences can be reflected in your citizenship grade:

"O" Outstanding Citizenship …….0 unexcused absences
"S" Satisfactory Citizenship……...0 unexcused absences
"I" Needs Improvement…………...1 unexcused absence
"U" Unsatisfactory…………………...2+ unexcused absences

Arriving Late or Leaving Early?

Call the attendance line at 314-415-7726

Check in and Out

Please follow these check-in and out procedures:

A parent/guardian should call the attendance line at (314) 415-7726 to notify the school of a late arrival, early release, or if planning to be absent. Notes or e-mails are not accepted.
Students must sign in or out at the Welcome Center (located at the main entrance) anytime they come into the building after classes begin or if they leave the building before the end of the day.
The day following the absence, a student should clear any discrepancies with their teacher or administrator.

Planned Absence

A planned absence is any absence that exceeds a full school day. A determination must be made by the teacher, parent or guardian, and student to evaluate the impact of the absence on class grades. Examples of an excused planned absence (per district policy) include; college visits, all religious observances, surgeries and court appearances.

If you anticipate a planned absence. Please come to the Main Office to pick up a Request for Planned Absence. This form will be reviewed and signed by each of your teachers as well as your Administrator and Counselor.

EXTENDED AbsenceS:
If A STUDENT KNOWS IN ADVANCE THAT THEY WILL BE ABSENT FROM SCHOOL FOR THREE (3) OR MORE CONSECUTIVE DAYS, A REQUEST FOR PLANNED ABSENCE FORM SHOULD BE OBTAINED FROM THE MAIN OFFICE. THIS FORM WILL NEED TO BE SIGNED BY A PARENT/GUARDIAN, TEACHERS, AND ASSISTANT PRINCIPAL; THEN RETURNED TO THE STUDENT’S ADMINISTRATOR’S OFFICE AT LEAST FIVE (5) DAYS PRIOR TO THE ABSENCE.

In This Section