Regular and timely attendance at school is a major factor in determining school success. The Holy Spirit Academy attendance policy is in accordance with the Pennsylvania and Diocesan School codes.
Daily Absence
Parents are required to call the Holy Spirit Academy office before 8:30 AM to report their child’s absence. If the school does not receive a call from the absentee’s family, a call will be made from the office to verify the absence. In addition, an online excuse must be submitted OR a written excuse must be turned into the homeroom teacher within 3 days after the child returns to school. After the third day, the absence will automatically be marked as unexcused. Students arriving after 11:30am will be marked half day absent.
Extended Absence
Absences due to illness beyond 3 consecutive school days require a doctor’s excuse. Families choosing to take their child out of school for vacation or any other reason except for illness must first get permission from the principal. A written excuse will be required when the child returns to school.
*Failure to comply with the above Daily and Extended Absence policy will result in a written notice given to the parents as an initial warning. If the truancy persists, a report will be filed with the county for intervention and/or will be reported to the Lawrence County Truancy Office.
Tardy
The tardy bell rings at 8:00am. Students who arrive late are required to stop at the office to receive a tardy slip that will be given to the homeroom teacher. If the students arrive after 8:05am, parents are required to walk the students to the school office to be signed in and to receive tardy slips. Any student tardy more than three times without a doctor’s excuse is required to serve a recess detention.
Children are required to stay home if their temperature rises above 100°F. Students are to remain home until they have been fever-free for 24 hours without fever- reducing medication.
Children must stay home if they have diarrhea or are vomiting. Children should be free from these conditions for 24 hours before they can return to school.
Children taking antibiotic medication must be on that medication for at least 24 hours BEFORE returning to school. This includes medication taken by mouth, drops, and ointments/creams.
If continuous medication is to be taken during school hours, parents must bring the prescription in with written permission for the dispensing of the medicine. All medications including, but not limited to, cough drops, Tylenol, etc. will only be administered with parental consent. All medications must be in the original container.
When students are absent or sent home from school due to illness or for any other medical reason, they are not permitted to return to school that day. This includes parties, athletic practices/games, school programs, and all school-related activities.