District Attendance Expectations
Regular attendance is key to academic success. Our goal is to ensure every student has the opportunity to reach their full potential by attending school every day. Consistent attendance not only helps students stay engaged with their learning but also fosters a strong school community.
We expect all students to attend school daily and arrive on time, ready to learn. Absences, whether excused or unexcused, can impact a student's progress. Therefore, we encourage families to prioritize their child's attendance and to schedule appointments or family vacations outside of school hours whenever possible.
Our district offers support for families facing challenges that may affect attendance. If you need assistance, please reach out to your school’s administration so we can work together to ensure your child’s success.
Attendance Information
Tardies to School or Class
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5 Tardies
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3 day detention
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Lunch or after school and contact parent/guardian | |
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10 Tardies
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1 day ISS
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In school suspension and contact parent/guardian
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15 Tardies
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2 day ISS |
In school suspension and loss of field trip opportunities, including overnight club sponsored events
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20 Tardies
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Discuss of referral to Disciplinary Hearing Authority (DHA) for code 24 takes place. |
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25 Tardies
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Loss of prom and participation in other extracurricular activities. Referral to DHA.
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Unexcused Absences6th - 12th Grade |
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10 or more unexcused absences in the school year
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Loss of prom privilege, and parking privileges revoked. |
| 15 or more absences in the school year | Removal from team or club roster. |
| 25 or more unexcused absences in senior year | Loss of the privilege to participate in graduation. |
An accumulation of 8 unexcused tardies/early dismissals will equal one (1) unexcused day.
Participation in Sports or School Sponsored Events
Standards for practice and game attendance shall be explained annually at the parent meeting, by coaches, club sponsors, or band director before the season begins. Student must be at school and counted present for that day to participate in extracurricular activities or an athletic contest/practice that day or weekend.
Out of School Suspensions
Any student who has OSS cannot practice or participate in a school sponsored athletic practice or contest and/or any extracurricular activities that day or weekend.
Parent Notes
One parent note excuses 1 day. Students in grades K-8 will be allowed no more than 3 parent notes per semester. Students in grades 9-12 will be allowed no more than 2 parent notes per semester. The school principal will use discretion in documented emergencies and absences.
Driver's License
T.C.A. 55-50-321 requires the school or system to complete and file with the TN Department of Safety and Homeland Security when a student has 10 consecutive unexcused or 15 total absences in one semester.
Progressive Truancy Plan
Tier 1
Tier 1 will be implemented upon a student’s accumulation of three (3) unexcused absences and must include communicating clear attendance expectations to the parent (i.e., phone call, email, etc.).
Tier 2
Tier 2 will be implemented upon a student’s accumulation of five (5) unexcused absences and must include:
- student/parent conference
- attendance contract
- availability of follow-up meetings
- individualized assessment aimed at addressing the student’s attendance problems
Tier 3
Tier 3 will be implemented upon a student's accumulation of seven (7) unexcused absences and must include:
- school-based community services
- school-based restorative justice program and/or Saturday or after-school
- courses designed to improve attendance and behavior
Tier 4
Tier 4 will be implemented upon a student's accumulation of ten (10) unexcused absences and must be referred to Student Services for the Truancy Review and Support meeting. Parent(s)/guardian(s) failing to attend the Truancy Review and Support meeting will automatically have a petition filed with juvenile court.
Resources
Resources
White House Heritage has a 95% attendance goal each day.
Attendance to school is the single most important factor of school success.
Attendance is a key factor in student achievement; therefore, students are expected to be present each day school
is in session.
is in session.
Important Student/Parent Attendance Reminders
1. A note must be presented to the office before 8:15 on the morning of the students return for the absences to be marked excused/unexcused
2. It is the student’s responsibility to obtain any missing work
3. Students will have the number of days absent plus one (1) to make up any missed work for an excused absence
4. If a student is out for 3 or more days consecutively there must be a doctor’s note brought into school
5. Parents must submit a request in advance to the principal to approve an absence for the student to miss school for a non-school event
6. Students may be denied the privilege of making up missed work because of an unexcused absence or suspension
7. Students who accumulate five (5) absences in a grading period, excused or unexcused, may be required to bring in a doctor’s note for each additional absence
8. Parent notes are only accepted for five days each semester (10 per year)
9. Students leaving early must bring a note to the front office by 8:15 a.m
10. Students must submit upon returning from an early dismissal a note from the appointment for an excused absence
11. Should a student become sick at school, the student MUST report to the nurse. The nurse will contact the parent to come pick up the students and sign them out in the office