WESTERN HIGH SCHOOL

How to Report an Absence

• Call the school at 765-883-5541 between 7:00–10:00 a.m. on the day your student is absent.
• If calling outside school hours, you may leave a message on our 24-hour voicemail system.
• Be sure to include:
  • Student’s first and last name
  • Grade level
  • Reason for the absence
• This must be done whether your student is gone for one period or the entire day.

Important: If a parent/guardian does not call in, the absence will be recorded as unexcused.

Notes and Documentation

• If a phone is not available, prior arrangements may be made to submit a written note.
• Notes must be given to the attendance secretary immediately upon return to school.
• Physician notes must be turned in within 2 school days of returning from an illness in order to be excused.

Participation in Activities

• Students must be in attendance by 9:00 a.m. to participate in practices, games, matches, or events that day.
• The principal may grant exceptions for special circumstances.

Homework may be requested from the Student Services Office on the 2nd day of student absence. This request needs to be made before 8:00 a.m. Homework would then be ready after 2:00 p.m. that day. Homework requests received after 8:00 a.m. will not be ready until 9:00 a.m. the following day. Students are encouraged to monitor Google Classroom and online communication for information regarding assignments, tests, quizzes, and grades.

We understand that sometimes students need to leave school for medical appointments or other special circumstances. Please review the following procedures to ensure a smooth and safe process.

Medical Appointments

• Students with medical appointments during the school day should make arrangements with the Attendance Secretary before 7:30 a.m.
• Students must sign out before leaving and sign in upon returning to school.
• A doctor’s note or appointment verification (including the time of departure) is required when the student returns.
• Parents are encouraged to schedule medical and dental appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.

Partial-Day Absences

• If a student must miss part of the school day, they should bring a parent note to the Attendance Secretary upon arrival.
• The student will then be issued an absence form.

Special Events (Funerals, Religious Events, etc.)

• Absences for special events must be pre-arranged before the start of the school day.

Medication During the School Day

• Students are not permitted to go home during the day to take medication.
• Medication for headaches, colds, or other minor health needs should be kept with the school nurse.
• If no medication has been provided and it is deemed necessary, a parent/guardian may be called to bring medication to school.

Any student arriving to school after 7:35 will be considered a Late Arrival. This student must sign in and receive a pass to be admitted to class. These Late Arrivals are based on a per semester basis. The first two Late Arrivals to school are verbal warnings. Arriving to 1st period class after 7:30, but before 7:35 is considered a class tardy and disciplined according to the tardy policy.

Please view the student handbook for a full description of our attendance policies and procedures.