Tardy

Once again we will be attempting to reduce the number of tardies. We will be talking with the children about the importance of punctuality and would be most appreciative if you would also emphasize this at home. Children are considered tardy to school if they are not in their classroom by 8:20 A.M. for the morning session and by 12:15 P.M. for the afternoon session (11:55 on Wednesdays). By law, all tardies are recorded and become part of a child's permanent school file.

State of Illinois requirements for student attendance is as follows:

• Kindergarten students must attend 2 clock hours to be considered in full attendance for that day.
• First grade students must attend 4 clock hours to be considered in full attendance for that day and 2 clock hours to be considered in half day attendance.
• Second through Eighth grade students must attend 5 clock hours to be considered in full attendance for that day and 2.5 clock hours to be considered in half day attendance.

There are two kinds of tardiness, excused and unexcused. An excused tardy is due to a personal decision made by the parents relative to their child's schedule. We need to be notified either by phone or letter regarding all excused tardy situations. If a child is tardy without an excuse for the third time, the parent will be notified by phone and asked to discuss the problem with the child in order to help eliminate the problem. In the event a child has a fourth unexcused tardy, disciplinary action will occur. Consequence for repeated tardies may include a child being detained after school or at lunch recess; parent will be notified. It is important that children realize their responsibility for being on time and ready to learn in their classrooms. This policy reinforces the importance of punctuality for our students.