Absences-Minded

Posted on October 31, 2014 by Kiyoshi Koiwai in News

Jocelyne Gutierrez

Angie Quintanilla

Crimson Chronicle Reporters

While at the college fair, Ms.Payne, the senior counselor, made an announcement regarding attendance. For seniors to be allowed to walk the stage at the Hollywood Bowl, they are allowed to miss only seven days of school year. For those who want to graduate in white cap and gown, they are only allowed at most five absences.This has caused much confusion among students because of the misunderstanding about what is considered an excused absence.

To clarify exactly what is classified as an absence, it is simply any period of time a student does not attend one or more classes. The confusion is, if a student was absent due to a class field trip or any class related event, would his absence be excused or unexcused? Excused absences are cleared when it is due to, but not limited to illness, attending a family funeral or jury duty. However, Ms. Torres, who is in charge of monitoring the students’ attendance, must have documentation that proves their participation in the activity or appointment to clear the absence. Parent notes are sometimes sufficient; however, a doctor’s note is preferred, especially if a student is out for more than two days consecutively. On the other hand, any absence for reasons other than  listed before are not excused and will result in the student being truant after the third period of the whole day. Concerning absences, due to a field trip or a school activity, will only be cleared if a student or his teacher submits a list to the attendance office explaining the participation. This will be the  only way to not count it as an unexcused absence.

When asked what they think of the policy, quite a few responded positively. “It is fair because it shows commitment from students”, says Josue Quinteros, SAS senior. TCA Senior Patty Castro says, “It is good because it keeps us in control and sets a boundary.” However, there were those who are completely opposed to it such as TCA Senior Leslie Chang who believe the “school should not limit the days we can miss” because “we have personal events”. Ms. Torres said, “Attendance is important…come to school everyday.” Do you agree or disagree with this policy?