School attendance is directly related to school achievement. Poor attendance or persistent tardiness often leads to poor academic performance. R.W. Blake Academy parents have the responsibility to ensure that their student attends school every day, arrives promptly, and remains at school for the entire school day.

All absences are classified as excused or unexcused. Excused absences includes: illness, family funeral, religious holiday, and family emergency as described in the Code of Conduct. Absences for other reasons must be submitted to the principal for prior approval. All unapproved absences are defined as unexcused. Five parent/guardian notes will be accepted as excused; after which a doctor’s note is required for the absence to be classified excused. There will be no excused absences other than one with a doctor‘s note during state assessments.

When students are absent, they are encouraged to check their Schoology courses for assignments and make-up work. Teachers must be given 24 hours to prepare make-up work not already posted online. Please remember that it is difficult to recreate the same rigor and engagement of dynamic learning experiences such as hands-on activities, project-based-learning, and collaborative structures when providing make-up work.

R.W. Blake Academy Parents and Caretakers will:

Make every effort to schedule medical and dental appointments after school hours or during holidays.
Send a written note to school following a student absence. The note must include the date, reason for the absence, signature of parent/guardian, and phone number.
Send a written request to school in advance if a student needs to leave during the school day. A parent/legal guardian or those authorized on the student’s emergency card must be present in order to sign the student out from the office.
Not check their student out after 2:30 p.m.
Make prior arrangements for a student taking an extended trip during regular school time and should:
- Give ample written notice to the classroom teacher.
- Receive prior approval from administration.
- Give the teacher(s) a minimum of one week’s notice for requested make-up work.
- Complete all provided make-up work within the same number of days that the student was absent.
- Complete provided educational packet for the trip to be excused.

Please understand that although some assignments can be made up, valuable classroom instruction time cannot be made up and may affect your child’s success.

Policies and Procedures

SCHOOL SAFETY