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Attendance Policies & Procedures
Policy 5200

Martin County High School will provide a safe and friendly environment which is conducive to student learning.  In accordance with Florida law and school board rules, the school is designed to operate toward high levels of student achievement, which can only be realized when each student is in school , on time and participating in every class, every day. It is the responsibility of every parent and student to uphold and abide by the attendance policies.

 Occasionally, it may be necessary for a student to be absent. When the student is absent, the parent should call, e-mail, or write a note to the Attendance Office on the day of the absence.

Parents will receive a recorded message to notify them of their student’s absence. The absence must be explained in writing within ten (10) days of the students return to school. Failure to provide such certification by the tenth day will result in the absence being “unexcused”.  If you do not call, email or write within 10 days of the absence, your child's appeal may be denied.

Acceptable reasons for an excused absence are as follows:

• Illness of the student (A doctor’s statement may be required to excuse more than 3 consecutive absences).

• An accident resulting in bodily injury to the student.

• A death in the immediate family of the student.

• An observance of an established religious holiday in line with the recorded specific faith of the student.

• A subpoena by a law enforcement agency or a court appearance.

• Principal-approved participation in academic, vocational or non-vocational activities.

• Insurmountable conditions as defined by regulations of the state board and determined by the principal. As otherwise determined by the principal in accordance with state laws and School Board rules.

Mitigated Absences

For absences other than those deemed acceptable/excusable a mitigated absence form must be completed and submitted for administrative review/approval.

 If a student has excessive absences, a referral may be made to the Student Services Office/Social Worker, and the Division of Motor Vehicles.  They will contact the parents, either in person or in writing, making the parents aware of the statutory requirements concerning absences.   If a student has fifteen unreported absences, in any ninety day period, the student may lose their driver’s license.

Activity Attendance Guidelines

Students must be present at school a minimum of 90% of the school days.  If, at any time, a student exceeds the established 10% absentee rate (unexcused), he or she may immediately become ineligible to participate in all athletics and extra-curricular school activities including, but not limited to, all games, practices, rehearsals, performances, meetings, field trips, dances, socials, ceremonies, and banquets.  The participation restriction will continue until the student re-attains a 90% attendance rate.  All attendance will be reviewed and calculated every 20 days.  Participation privileges can be restored on the day the student is in compliance.  Excused absences will be reviewed by the Assistant Principal over Discipline and/or the Attendance Committee.  Students parking on campus who accumulate 10 or more unexcused absences may get their parking privileges revoked.

Attendance Policy for Athletes

Athletes are expected to be in attendance at school in order to participate in an athletic activity that day.  The school policy emphasized that the athlete MUST attend at least one-half of the school day in order to participate in an athletic event.  Exceptions to this rule must be cleared PRIOR to the absence with the principal.  All athletes should be made aware of this policy on the first day of practice. 

College Visits

Students are allowed two college visits per half credit course (semester).  Any college visits beyond two per semester will not be excused.  Students must submit official documentation from the university to the Attendance Office, upon return to school.

Tardy Policy
Policy 5230

Tardy to Class

Students who are tardy to class will receive an After School Detention every time they are tardy. Being on time to class is defined as being in class and ready to begin work when the tardy bell rings.  Consequences for being tardy to class are:

• Any Tardy: After School Detention (ASD) 1 hour

• Excessive Tardiness: Extended detention – 2 hours, Parent Conference and/or driving privileges may be suspended or revoked.

Tardy to School

Students tardy to school must report to the Attendance office.  MCHS allows each student three (3) excused tardies per semester or 18 week grading period to the student’s first class of the day. An excused tardy must be a Physician’s note, a court subpoena, or a signed parent note. Any tardies beyond the 3rd  excused tardy will earn a discipline consequence as listed above. 

Skipping Policies

Students who are truant from school or skip class will be subject to disciplinary consequences that may include but are not limited to: extended 2 hour detention or parking privileges being suspended or revoked. 

Early Dismissal

When a student needs to leave campus earlier than the scheduled end of the school day, the student should bring a note to the Attendance Office, prior to class starting at 8:20 am.  All notes must have a valid telephone number to verify the request, the time the student is leaving and who is picking the student up. In the event the Parent/Guardian cannot be contacted, a pass will not be issued. The student will be given a pass to leave class at the designated time . Leaving school grounds without a pass will result in a referral to the Dean’s Office. 

Only students with a medical (dental) excuse or court appointment are permitted to leave school and return.  Documentation is required upon return.

Students are not allowed to leave school for lunch.