January 2012

Students and Parents,

January is a very important time of the school year as our students are preparing for the end of first semester. With the end of semester, students must complete all missing assignments, make up absences and prepare for final exams. Here are a few policy and procedural reminders about each of those topics:

HHS Attendance Policy Information:

Absences seven through ten (excused or unexcused) must be made up by attending attendance make up sessions.

Hickory High School has previously offered attendance make up sessions and will offer several more sessions in the near future. Absences may NOT be made up after the end of the fall semester.

A student can make up one missed class period by attending attendance make up for one hour. Students should obtain an attendance make up form from their teacher/teachers prior to attending attendance make up sessions. Future dates for attendance make up are listed below.

Upcoming Attendance Make Up Dates:

January 7th 7:55 a.m.- 12:00 p.m.

January 14th 7:55 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. / 12:30 p.m.- 4:30 p.m.

In order to receive credit for course, students who have in excess of ten absences must make up days seven through ten and must complete an Attendance Appeals form. Appropriate medical, dental, court, or other official documentation should be submitted with the Attendance Appeals form to support absences in excess of ten days. A student cannot appeal absences exceeding ten unless days seven through ten are made up through the attendance make up process. Appeals forms may be obtained from the HHS main office or from an HHS guidance counselor.

Your child, in addition to making up the required time, must also have a passing average in the course/courses in order to receive credit. (Note: A student does not have to make up assigned In School or Out of School Suspension days. No ISS or OSS days are counted for attendance review requirements.) ALL students no matter their attendance must take ALL final exams. Students who pass their final exams even though not receiving credit due to attendance may qualify for credit recovery on PLATO.

Exam Schedule:

The Exam Schedule can be found under the Daily Announcements link on the left side of the screen by clicking on the Megaphone.

Exam Exemptions:

· Only Seniors may receive Exam Exemptions. Everyone else must take an exam for EVERY class.

No student, in any grade, can be exempt from an EOC, VOCATS, AP or IB exam.

· Seniors may be exempt if they have:

1. Final average of A and 3 or fewer absences, B and 2 or fewer absences, or a C and 1 or fewer absences.

2. No Honor Code violations during the semester in any class

3. No out-of-school suspension (OSS), in-school-suspension (ISS), or Saturday Detention

Seniors who qualify for exam exemptions may choose to take the Final Exam to improve their grade. Seniors taking College Board AP Exams may be exempt at the end of the school year.

If you have questions or concerns about any of these topics, please contact me at Hickory High.

Ann Stalnaker

Principal