Attendance

ATTENDANCE FAQ

Returning from an absence
How to have absences excused
Parent Notes – what is required?
Examples of excused absences
Examples of unexcused absences
Returning to school after an illness – documentation that is required
Student Travel Attendance Procedures and Policies from the MHS Student Handbook (pg 14-16)

ABSENCES

Students are considered chronically absent when they accumulate 15 absences throughout the year (equivalent to 3.75 days per quarter).

RETURNING FROM AN ABSENCE:

Upon returning to campus, students should report directly to the Front Office for a Cleared-to-Return slip. Due to COVID-19, additional documentation may be required for students returning to school after experiencing any COVID-like symptoms.

HOW TO HAVE ABSENCES EXCUSED School will excuse absences when a note is submitted within 3 days upon student’s return to school. It can be brought to the Front Office or emailed to [email protected]. To ensure a smooth readmit to class, it is best to send your student with the proper documentation upon their return.

PARENT NOTES – WHAT IS REQUIRED? Notes must include the following: student’s full name, date of absence(s), reason for absence, and Parent/Guardian signature. A doctor’s note is required for 5 or more consecutive absences. Also, see required documentation for readmit/clearance for students returning to school after illness.

EXAMPLES OF EXCUSED ABSENCES

Illness*/Injury - Click for more information on readmit/clearance requirements for students returning to school after illness
Funerals excused up to 5 days in State of Hawaii, 10 days on the mainland or out-of-country (click for required documentation for readmit/clearance for students returning to school after out-of-state travel)
College Visits excused up to 5 days per year with proper documentation from college. Pre-approved by principal prior to trip; signed note from Parent/Guardian and proper documentation on college letterhead with date and student’s name upon return is required. See STUDENT TRAVEL for required documentation for readmit/clearance for students returning to school after out-of-state travel. Field Trips, student council related activities, school athletic team events Court Appearance Counselor/Administration Meeting Academic/Cultural/Artistic/Athletic Events whose dates are dictated by a state or national organization (Pre-approved by principal prior to event; signed note from Parent/Guardian and itinerary/schedule with date and student’s name are required) Suspensions

EXAMPLES OF UNEXCUSED ABSENCES INCLUDE (BUT NOT LIMITED TO)

Transportation issues
Babysitting
Entertaining visitors/guests Family vacation/trips (Please consider touring a college while on trip. Refer to College Visits above. Also, see section on STUDENT TRAVEL for information on readmit/clearance requirements if traveling out-of-state.)
Personal

RETURNING AFTER ILLNESS

If your child was absent for any of the listed illnesses, please follow the guidelines below for return to school.
Fever (100F or higher)
Chills
Cough
Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
Fatigue (tiredness, weakness)
Nausea or vomiting
Diarrhea
Headache
New loss of taste or smell
Sore throat Congestion or runny nose Muscle or body aches

For someone with any of the COVID-19-like symptoms listed above – It is recommended to
meet ALL three criteria in ONE of the following options:

1. NEGATIVE COVID-19 TEST
- Negative COVID-19 test result (Home tests are accepted)
- At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medication
- Symptoms have improved
2. AT LEAST 5 DAYS
- At least 5 days have passed since symptoms first appeared
- At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medication
- Symptoms have improved
3. DOCTOR'S NOTE
- A signed note from a licensed medical provider
- At least 24 hours have passed since last fever without the use of fever-reducing medication
- Symptoms have improved

If you have any questions, you may reach the Health Assistant at [email protected] or call her at 307-4249.

STUDENT TRAVEL

Interisland & Out-of-State Travel:
Students are no longer required to provide proof of a negative COVID-19 test result for travel.
Recommended guidelines after returning:
• Wear a mask for 5 days
• Self-monitor for COVID-19 symptoms
• If symptoms develop, stay home and follow quarantine guidelines
• Test for COVID-19 on the 5th day after you return home

EXCUSED travel-related absences (note or documentation is REQUIRED for excuse)

School will excuse absences when a note is submitted within 3 days upon student’s return to school. Notes must include the following: student’s full name, date of absence(s), reason for absence, and Parent/Guardian signature.

Funerals excused up to 5 days in State of Hawaii, 10 days on the mainland or out of country
College Visits excused up to 5 days per year with proper documentation from college (Pre-approved by principal prior to trip; signed note from Parent/Guardian and proper documentation on college letterhead with date and student’s name upon return is required)
Field Trips, student council related activities, school athletic team events
Academic/Cultural/Artistic/Athletic Events whose dates are dictated by a state or national organization (Pre-approved by principal prior to event; signed note from Parent/Guardian and itinerary/schedule with date and student’s name are required)