Attendance
Maryland State Law (Section 7-301 of the Education Article) requires regular school attendance of children between six and sixteen years of age. The penalty for violation of this law may be a fine of up to $100.00 per day of unlawful absence or imprisonment not to exceed ten days, or both. These penalties apply to parents, guardians, or custodians of the children.

Lawful Absences
An absence is lawful when it occurs because of a death in the immediate family, illness of student, quarantine, court summons, violent storms, religious holiday, doctors appointment, illness of the students child, breakdown of school transportation vehicle, suspension or disciplinary removal, other emergency or set of circumstances as determined by the superintendent or designee.

If a student is absent, he or she is to bring a note signed by the parent or guardian to the academy office upon arrival to school. The note must consist of the date (s) of occurrence, the reason for absence, and a working telephone number. All notes will be verified. The student will then be given an absent-admit slip to be given toall teachers.

Unlawful Absences
If a student does not bring a note, the absence is considered unlawful. An absence is also considered unlawful if the student does not attend school because of illness in the family, uncertified illness of student, poverty, truancy, babysitting, or running an errand.

Lateness

Students are required to attend all scheduled classes on time.
The first infraction will result in a documented verbal reprimand.
The second infraction will result in a documented telephone call to the home or a letter to the home from the teacher.
The third infraction will result in referral to the Academy Principal for further action.

Truancy
Truancy is an unexcused absence. A student is truant if he or she leaves school without a verified note from a parent and permission from the Academy Principal. Students who are truant will be subject to some form of disciplinary action.

Parents will be notified of student absences, lateness, and truancy through our global connect calling system.

Hall Passes
Students in the halls during class periods must have a teacher issued hall pass. Students in the halls during class, without a pass, will be considered CUTTING class and will be subject to the discipline policy outlined for this behavior. Halls will be monitored at all times to enforce this policy. TEACHERS MUST PROVIDE STUDENTS WITH A WRITTEN PASS THAT INCLUDES THE STUDENT’S FULL NAME, DATE, TIME, AND DESTINATION. Passes should NOT be issued during the first and last 15 minutes of class.

Early Dismissal from School
Early dismissal requests must be in writing, signed by a parent or guardian. These notes must be brought to the Main Office by no later than 10:00 am. The telephone number where a parent or guardian can be reached must appear on each note. Requests will be verified by telephone. If a parent or guardian cannot be reached, an early dismissal will not be issued.

Student’s personal and/or medical appointments should be made during non-school hours.

Frederick Douglass High School