Bedford County Schools Attendance Policy
Attendance is a key factor in student achievement and therefore, students are expected to be present each day that school is in session.
Absences shall be classified as either excused or unexcused as determined by the principal or his designee. Excused absences shall include:
1. Personal illness
2. Illness of immediate family member
3. Death in the family
4. Extreme weather condition
5. Religious observances
6. Circumstances which in the judgement of the principal create emergencies over which the student has no control.
Truancy is defined as an absence for an entire school day, a major portion of the school day or the major portion of any class, study hall or activity during the school day for which the student is scheduled.
Students participating in school-sponsored activities whether on- or off campus shall not be counted absent. In order to qualify as 'school-sponsored", the activity must be school planned, school directed, and teacher supervised. Mass exodus or early dismissal or late arrival of all students or any segment of students shall not be permitted for any reason except for emergencies such as inclement weather or other unavoidable situations, unless instruction time is made in full.
Following five (50 absences without adequate excuse, a student's parent or guardian shall be notified of the Bedford County Attendance Policy by an official of the school system. A copy of the notification shall be filed with the attendance supervisor.
All schools will issue excused and unexcused absences in accordance with school policy. An excused absence permits th student to make up school work, at the teacher's discretion, within five (50 days of returning to school. An unexcused absence denies a student the privilege of completing these assignments.
Any student who exceeds fifteen 915) absences per school year, without adequate excuse, will be denied credit. Students enrolled in semester courses will be denied credit should absences, without adequate excuse, result in attendance falling below 92% of class sessions. School officials are permitted to require a physician's verification to substantiate an illness. Adequate excuse is generally interpreted as having medical verification or exemplary hardship. Hardship cases may be referral to a hearing of the Board.
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