ATTENDANCE POLICY
(AFTER SCHOOL REHEARSALS AND PERFORMANCES)

In order for all students to have a successful experience, each member should attend all rehearsals and performances.  One student’s absence effects more than one student.  This organization can only be successful when it acts as a cohesive team.  In intricate drill and musical preparation, one single absence can hold back the entire organization.  Every member is critical to our maximum achievement.  With proper planning, conflicts CAN be avoided.

​ABSENCES AND TARDIES WILL BE DEALT WITH IN THE FOLLOWING MANNER:

TARDY	For tardies due to approved school activities, see the director one week in advance to avoid penalization.  Otherwise, time-for-time will be enforced.
EXCUSED ABSENCE	An absence will be counted as excused if approval is given in advance and/or the absence falls under school system guidelines for excused absences (see below).  No penalty will occur if this criteria is met. *In order to obtain an excused absence, the following criteria must be met by student/parent: Director must be notified more than a week prior when possible.  In the unfortunate event of an illness or emergency, please contact the band office as soon as possible. ABSENCE REQUEST FORM must be filled out online. ​Director must approve request.
UNEXCUSED ABSENCE	If arrangements are made in advance and an unavoidable conflict surfaces, a student is allowed one (1) unexcused absence from a rehearsal without penalty: An unexcused absence from a performance or a second unexcused absence from rehearsal will result in immediate loss of lettering eligibility and possible removal from the performing ensemble.   Unarranged, unexcused absences, or “no shows,” will result in the loss of the ability to earn a letter and possible termination from extra-curricular activities.
CONFLICTS WITH SCHOOL ACTIVITIES	​If the conflict is approved by the director before the missed rehearsal, then the absence will be counted as excused.  If the director is not given at least a week’s notice of the absence, then the unapproved absence will be counted as unexcused.
UNARRANGED, UNEXCUSED ABSENCE	No shows will result in the loss of ability to earn a letter and possible termination from extra-curricular activities.

INDIVIDUAL NEEDS WILL BE ADDRESSED AS THEY OCCUR.  THIS SYSTEM IS SUBJECT TO MODIFICATION BY THE DIRECTOR.

​ATTENDANCE - HALL COUNTY SCHOOLS PROCEDURES

  Students may be temporarily excused from school under the following conditions:

• When personally ill and when attendance in school would endanger their health or the health of others.
• On special and recognized religious holidays observed by their faith.
• When mandated by order of governmental agencies (pre-induction physical examination of service in the armed forces or court order).
• A student may be granted an excused absence not to exceed on day in order to register to vote.
• Students may be excused from school attendance when prevented from such attendance due to conditions rendering school attendance impossible or hazardous to their health or safety.

If a student is in school, he/she is expected at rehearsal that day!
The mere filing of a request does not guarantee an excused absence.
Phone calls must be followed up by the appropriate paperwork.
All follow-up is the responsibility of the student/parent.