The success of the education program provided by the school hinges on regular attendance by the students. The school establishes a program of attendance monitoring so as to ensure that students attend all the portions of their school days that they can--academic classes, homeroom sessions, and other required during-the-school-day events.

The parent/guardian and the student assume full responsibility for absences and for the academic consequences entailed. Students should consult course expectations sheets for specific absence procedures and expectations for each class

1. Whenever a student is absent, even for one class, the parent/guardian must call the Attendance Office (209-656-2050) between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on the day of the absence to explain the absence. Failure to notify the Attendance Office can result in the student being assigned detention.

Since many calls are handled by the Attendance Office each day, please be ready to give this essential information:

a.  The name of the absent student, student ID#, and the specific explanation for the absence, e.g., illness, injury, legal, etc.

b.  Approximate length of absence.

c. If an absence is because of illness, whether illness is communicable.

2. Teachers may not allow a student to enter class following an absence without an admit slip from the Attendance Office. Therefore, when a student returns to school following an absence and at least 10 minutes before returning to class, the student must first go to the Attendance Office to notify our staff of their return and to verify that their parents have communicated their absence. Once the student is checked back into school they will be handed an admit slip that is to be given to each of their teachers.

3. Medical, dental, and other appointments should be scheduled at times classes are not in session. In extraordinary circumstances, a student needs to attend a doctor's appointment during class time parents shall contact the Attendance Office in advance. On the day of the appointment, the student must come to the Attendance Office to obtain a Release Slip enabling that student to leave campus. The student will be expected to bring a doctor's note to verify that absence upon their return to school. If it is determined that a student has been absent in order to avoid a class or to prepare for an assignment, test, or school activity, the student will be liable for detention.

4. In all cases students are expected to contact their instructors prior to any planned absence and in accordance with the course expectations as defined by each teacher.

5. If a student becomes ill during the school day, he or she must report to the Nurses Office, where his/her condition will be evaluated and the parent/guardian notified. A student who is too ill to attend class may not remain at school.

6. Students leaving campus or failing to attend a class must notify the Attendance Office ahead of time or face disciplinary consequences.

7. Students who are tardy to class and whose parents have not contacted the Attendance Office at the time of arrival will be assigned detention. Any tardy in excess of 15 minutes will be considered an absence and will count toward a student’s attendance threshold.

Students who have a history of excessive absences and/or tardies may be placed on Attendance Monitoring for the following semester or year.

Once a student is placed on Attendance Monitoring, and he or she has reached three (3) tardies in a class during a semester, a warning letter will be sent from the Dean’s Office. When this student has reached four (4) tardies or (5) absences in any class during a semester, the student risks losing academic credit, the opportunity to attend extracurricular events, or possibly being disenrolled from DHS.

Students who have been diagnosed with a concussion and who experience dizziness, balance control (instability), nausea, and/or pain that inhibit them from engaging in the normal functions of a school environment should remain at home until cleared by a physician to return to school. In these instances, parents are required to bring to the District Nurse a doctor’s note that includes the date of diagnosis and physical or cognitive limitations of the student.

Medical conditions that preclude a student from using an iPad or computer, sitting through an entire class period, completing assessments or class activities, using other cognitive skills, and/or extended absences as a result of these limitations are difficult to support in light of the academic rigor of our curriculum. Student workload modification (e.g. reduction in homework/classwork) can be accommodated.

Attendance at Graduation is required of all graduates. However, attendance is a privilege revocable by the Administration. A student may be prevented from participating in Graduation for inappropriate behavior. Specifically, a senior participating in any form of a “senior prank” is liable for financial compensation for damages and for immediate dismissal or denial of participation in Graduation.

Graduation is a semi-formal event with a specified dress code. Graduates are to wear the academic cap and gown at Graduation. All regular norms relating to student grooming and behavior are strictly enforced during Graduation events.