Attendance

Dedicated to Student Success

At District 196, our highly competent educators and administrators are committed to educating, developing, and inspiring our students for lifelong success. As a school district of choice, we have high academic standards and expectations for our students, and this starts with being prepared and in the classroom every day.

In accordance with District Policy 503.2AR, students are expected to attend class every day, with the exception of school-authorized and verified absences. Excessive absences may have adverse consequences.

Approximately 13.57 percent of District 196 students are identified as chronically absent, which means they have missed 18 or more days of school throughout the school year. (The national average is 14 percent.)

Why Attendance Matters 

Regular attendance helps students enjoy school more and feel connected to their community. It also boosts academic performance and enhances social skills.

ACADEMIC SUCCESS

• Achieve higher grades

• Increase the chance of graduating

• Participate in hands-on, collaborative learning

• Access better academic support

SOCIAL/EMOTIONAL SKILLS

• Form friendships

• Develop emotional skills such as empathy, patience, confidence, and teamwork

• Enhance communication skills

Help Your Student Succeed

• Encourage showing up on time to every class period each day.

• Maintain routines, limit technology, ensure good sleep.

• Avoid appointments during the school day, whenever possible.

• Encourage participation in school activities.

• Talk with your school to learn about support options

For additional resources and/or questions, please contact:

• Your student’s counselor (651-423-7522)

• RHS Nurse (651-423-7520)

• RHS Social Worker (651-423-7522)

• RHS Administration (651-423-7514)

When your student has unexcused absences from ANY SINGLE CLASS PERIOD families will receive an automated phone call and students may receive a school-based consequence.

 

5 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Administrative Intervention

• Student meets with school staff to address issues.

• Parents/guardians are notified and offered resources to help.
   

7 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Collaborative Development

• Student and parent/guardian meet with school staff to discuss ways to prevent additional absences.

• Consequences may include detention, in-school suspension, and/or loss of privileges.

• Referral is made to the Dakota County Truancy Reduction Program, as required by state law.
   

10 UNEXCUSED ABSENCES: Final Measures

• Students may receive a "No Credit" (NC) or an "F" depending on performance in the class. Opportunities are available to restore credit. 

• Absences due to illness are excused for up to ten days. A doctor’s note is required AFTER 10 absences due to illness.

• Check provided resources (Schoology, course calendar, notes, etc.)

• If further clarification is needed, prepare questions for the teacher.

• Meet/email with teacher(s) as needed to obtain clarification and/or plan for make-up assessments.

• Collaborate with peers to obtain additional information, notes, homework, timelines, etc.

• If after school make-up is necessary, communicate with coaches/advisors about potentially missing co-curricular commitments.

Reminder: In order to participate in co-curricular activities, students must be present for four or more periods during the school day; communicate with coaches/advisors if you are unable to participate.