Attendance. . . Regular attendance is extremely important to student success. Students who regularly attend school are better able to keep up with their school work, are more likely to acquire the skills and knowledge expected at their particular grade level, and develop a stronger sense of belonging in the classroom. The district's expectation of regular attendance reinforces for students the importance of learning and achievement. Students who are excessively absent form school miss significant amounts of instruction, and are more likely to perform below grade level. Students working below grade level who have excessive absences may be required to participate in school sponsored supplemental instructional programs. The goal of the district is to provide students the instructional time they need to perform at or above grade level and meet the prescribed academic standards. The following programs are intended to provide supplemental instruction to help students raise their performance to grade level. District supported supplemental instructional programs may include, but are not limited to: 1) Summer school. 2) After school. 3) Other school designed programs to address student attendance and learning. A parent conference will be requested when necessary during the school year to address the attendance concerns of a student and to explore options for improving attendance. After 25 days of absence in a school year (or 15 days in a semester), a parent conference will be requested to determine the appropriateness of supplemental instruction if a student is working below grade level. Referral to the Education Service District Truant Officer will be made at the discretion of the school principal. Student attendance is part of the formula for state school report cards. ALL absences (illness, vacation, dental appointments, etc.) affect the report card. In order to receive "exceptional", the school must have 96% attendance each day. In the 2004-2005 school year, our attendance was 95.9. Note: Students who fail to successfully complete supplemental instruction and continue working below grade level (as determined by teacher assessment and/or state assessment test data) may be recommended for retention at the same grade level the following year. Student attendance will not be the sole criterion when considering the appropriateness of retention Animals in the School: Greater Albany Public School District has policy prohibiting animals on district property without permission from the principal. Permission may be granted for specified purposes. Bicycles on School Grounds: Bicycles ridden to school by students must be parked in the designated area on school grounds and should be locked. Students must walk their bikes on school property at all times. Students under the age of 16 must wear a helmet as required by law. The District assumes no responsibility or liability for loss or damage to personal property. Dress & Grooming: Dress and grooming while in school are primarily the responsibility of students and parents. However, students may be directed to change dress or grooming if it substantially disrupts the educational program or school climate, is unclean, or threatens the health or safety of the student or others. Displays on clothing, including pictures, symbols or wording on clothing or accessories, are prohibited if they are: Vulgar or insulting Alcohol or drug related Sexually suggestive Identify or support gang membership Ridicule a particular person or group Some examples of inappropriate items for the classroom: Cut-off or short shorts/skirts (below the fingertips) Hats (boys or girls) Halter tops, strapless tops, or spaghetti straps Tops that expose a bare midriff Bare feet or Flip-flops Shoes with heals higher than 1.5 inches Excessive jewelry or cosmetics If a student's dress or grooming is judged inappropriate, the student may be counseled, asked to change, asked to wear the specific item inside out, sent home or subject to disciplinary action if violations persist. Emergency School Closures: The decision to hold school or not during unusual weather conditions is made by 6:30 a.m. on the day in question. Radio stations: KGAL (AM1580), KWIL (790 AM), KRKT (99.9 FM/990 AM), KFLY (101.5 FM/1240 AM) If an announcement is not made, school is open and the busses will run their usual routes and times.