Attendance Policy

At Penuel International School, we encourage consistent class participation and discourage tardiness to create the best possible learning environment.

Reporting Absences

Parents must report every absence before 8:00 a.m. by calling the school office. Calls are accepted 24/7 via answering machine or during office hours.

Excused Absences

  • The following are considered excused with the appropriate documentation:

    • Illness – Doctor’s or parent’s note required

    • Medical appointments/treatments – Doctor’s note required

    • Religious holidays – Parent’s note required

    • Death in the family – Parent’s note required

    • Family emergency – Parent’s note required

Unexcused Absences

  • Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to:

    • Family vacations

    • Non-medical appointments

    • Babysitting

    • Any reason not classified as excused

    • Absence without prior notification

Early Release

To request an early release, the following must be followed:

  1. Send a written note (or call the school) with the student’s full name, time of dismissal, and reason.

  2. Submit the note to the office before the school day begins.

  3. The student must be signed out in the office by a parent/guardian or an emergency contact listed on file.

  4. The note will be kept in the student’s attendance file.

Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments after 3:15 p.m. whenever possible.

Tardiness

 

  • Students must be physically present in class by 8:00 a.m.

    • 3 tardies = 1 unexcused absence

    • 3 unexcused absences (due to tardiness) = 7:00 a.m. detention the next school day

    • Continued tardiness may lead to suspension at the administration’s discretion

Student’s Responsibilities

  • Attend school daily and on time

  • Complete all make-up assignments within the allotted time:

    • One day of absence = one day to submit make-up work

    • Pre-arranged absences – Work is due on the day of return

    • Work not submitted on time will receive a zero

Administrator’s Responsibilities

    • Monitor attendance and communicate with parents

    • Ensure intervention when absences are excessive:

    AbsencesAction Taken
    5 daysParent notified via letter or phone call
    10 daysMandatory meeting with parents to create a proactive intervention plan
    18 daysStudent may face grade retention (exceeding 4.5 absences per quarter)