Attendance Policy

Code of Alabama (1975) §16-28-3 requires all children between the age of six (6) and seventeen (17) years of age to attend school for the minimum number of scholastic days prescribed by the Alabama State Board of Education. All laws regarding school attendance shall be strictly enforced by the Baldwin County Public Schools.

ARRIVALS / DISMISSALS Students are to arrive on time for the beginning of the school day and leave the school campus immediately upon dismissal for the day and/or from other school related activities. Parents/guardians should refer to each school’s handbook for the designated time and protocol for each school.

TARDINESS Tardies are considered excused for the same reason(s) as excused student absences. Refer to each school’s handbook for tardy information. The principal or his/her designee may impose disciplinary measures for excessive tardies. Communication will be made to parents/guardians by the school or the Attendance Officer if the number of tardies becomes excessive. Excessive tardies may result in a home visit by the BCPSS Attendance Department.

CHECK-INS / CHECK-OUTS Necessary check-ins or checkouts must be processed by the parent through the school’s office by procedures outlined in each school’s handbook. The Board encourages that appointments not of a critical nature be scheduled for times and days when school is not in session. Check-ins/outs are considered excused for the same reasons as excused absences. An unexcused check-in/out will be considered a tardy. Excessive check-ins and /or checkouts may result in a home visit by the BCPSS Attendance Department.

POSITIVE REINFORCEMENT FOR ATTENDANCE AT SCHOOL Principals are given discretion to create rewards and/or positive motivators in order to increase student attendance, such as final exam opt-outs or off-campus lunch privileges.  Any discipline or consequences regarding attendance should be limited to those as provided in Board Policy and this Handbook.  Students should not be denied participation in any school activity or event if the student has a valid excused absence in accordance with Board policies and procedures.   In other words, if a student is allowed nine excused absences under Board policies and procedures, principals do not have the discretion to require a lower number of excused absences in order for a student to be eligible to participate in a school activity or event.  Under no circumstances should a student with a valid physician’s excuse absence be denied participation in a school activity or event because of an absence from school because of said physician visit.