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If there is a "cap" implemented on SR days we may need a pathway for parent notification and input. There could a form (and/or parenting meeting) informing the parents/guardians of the number of class periods the student would miss. This would provide the opportunity for each classroom teacher to give an outlook of the impact on the specifics students proposed absences.  The parent would then be informed. Parents could then make an informed decision to keep their student in class or attend the trip accepting the predicted impact on student grades.

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Chamber Orchestra has been excused for 6 total days this year. The NYC trip was 3 days, and is included in the 6 days......however, the point is that our students at HHS choose to participate in events that sometimes take them out of school. In reality very few of the events that take kids out of school are mandatory (kids can stay home, and many do). I appreciate the fact that many teachers at HHS offer opportunities for students to gain a global education through extra  experiences. The NYC trip was planned with SBAC and AP testing in mind while also working with the festival dates in NYC that were available.  A trip of that scale is likely only to happen once every 4 years so I'm not sure it's wise to create policy based, seemingly, on that specific example. 

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Chamber Orchestra has been excused for 6 total days this year. The NYC trip was 3 days, and is included in the 6 days......however, the point is that our students at HHS choose to participate in events that sometimes take them out of school. In reality very few of the events that take kids out of school are mandatory (kids can stay home, and many do). I appreciate the fact that many teachers at HHS offer opportunities for students to gain a global education through extra  experiences. The NYC trip was planned with SBAC and AP testing in mind while also working with the festival dates in NYC that were available.  A trip of that scale is likely only to happen once every 4 years so I'm not sure it's wise to create policy based, seemingly, on that specific example. 

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This feels more like a specific teacher airing grievances and is written in a highly accusatory and inappropriate way. These activities are just as important to the students' education and well being. I'm sorry the author is upset about our fantastic band and orchestra students getting the learning opportunity of a lifetime by performing and learning in New York City. Every class and activity in our school is equally important.

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Not sure this is a con, but con people, have you written an amendment with different language to capture the changes you are hoping to see?

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72% attendance rate is off the OSPI school report card website.

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I am disappointed that so many of these proposals seem to call out specific courses or programs.

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While the rate is off the OSPI report card, this is not what the 72% means.  See comment under "Con" section.

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While the rate is off the OSPI report card, this is not what the 72% means.  See comment under "Con" section.

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The language that mentions specific groups or organizations should be removed from the proposal. We need to focus on the problem with absences, no matter what the cause. Often activities/sports do not have control over the times they miss school.

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Activities such as orchestra, band, drama, choir, and sports are often the very things that keep kids engaged in school. What a gift to see other places and meet people who can enrich their education! Our programs give these students this opportunity.

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Student athletes have no control over the schedule their sport follows. Principals /Athletic Directors work together to put sport competitions on the calendar. A sport like golf is at a disadvantage because they must use municipal/private courses. Those aren't typically available on the weekends for schools to use.

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Student athletes are held being to an academic standard, that in part, is there to make sure that the absences they have as part of their school sponsored events are not a negative drag on their academic progress.
Students participating in music, band, orchestra, field trips, etc. should be held to the same standards.

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I like the intent but wonder if students with many unexcused absences should be excused to go on a field trip?  Just food for thought.

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I like the intent but wonder if students with many unexcused absences should be excused to go on a field trip?  Just food for thought.

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This isn't a "con" so much as a question. There was language in this proposal about orchestra and band, who tend to miss full days of school at times. How does this compare to the number of absences from, say, 6th period for athletes? How many class periods per sports season does an athlete miss (obviously, this varies by sport)?

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An attendance focus will likely be happening as one of our school goals next year, so some type of committee or the leadership team will be working on attendance. -Mike J

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I like the intent behind the policy but would consider a couple of modifications:

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I like the intent behind the policy but would consider a couple of modifications:

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1. Change the part about consulting "admin and teachers" to just admin.  Trying to come up with a consensus among teachers on days absent may prove difficult.
2. Setting a hard and fast number of days also can be difficult.

PROPOSED AMENDMENT:

SCHOOL-RELATED ABSENCES
All teachers who propose excused absences for students will carefully consider the number of absences expected during a semester.  The teachers of these courses should consult with administration to determine a rational, fair, and logical number of absences proposed, including absences for contests and trips. While still working to provide opportunities to engage in our community, a concerted effort should be made to minimize absences.

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Information stating we have a 72% daily rate is incorrect. The 72% rate is the percent of students, on average, having fewer than two absences per month.

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Information stating we have a 72% daily rate is incorrect. The 72% rate is the percent of students, on average, having fewer than two absences per month.