Attendance
Attendance
All students MUST check in and out through the front office when coming late or leaving early. If the student is at a medical appointment, ask for a school note before leaving the appointment and give it to the office when you check in. We ask parents to call the main office to inform of all absences and late arrivals (School is in session 8:20 am- 3:05pm M, Tu, TH, Fr and 8:35am - 3:05pm Wed only.) Students receiving 3 or more tardies will receive a lunch detention. Attendance is marked as T/TL.
Appointments & Early Release for students:
Parents will need to call no less than 30 minutes prior to pick up to have your child in the office waiting at a specific time (208-855-4225) to ensure your student leaves in a timely manner.
Please have student bring in a note, with student name & date(s) specified, to the office if your child was attending a doctor, dentist, eye doctor, therapist, etc., to have the absence waived. Absence is marked as WAI. You may also fax the doctors excuse note to (208) 855-4248 or email a doctors excuse to MeridianMS@westada.org including your students name and grade.
Students are allowed six (6) absences per class period during the semester. Students who receive seven (7) absences in any class will be at reis to lose credit, unless cleared by the attendance office as extraordinary within (5) days of the absences. The only way to waive an absence is with a medical note. All other absences even with a parent call will be counted as part of the 6 absences per semester. Absences marked as A or TR are unexcused absences and need to be verified to the school by parent. Please reach out to grade level admin or counselors regarding attendance concerns.
Extracurricular Activities:
Meridian Middle School students must be in attendance at school the entire school day in order to participate in extracurricular activities after school in the evening of that same day. Exceptions include situations beyond the control of the student such as court appearance, bereavement, medical/dental appointments, etc. Students, who are suspended, including in-school suspension for a major discipline offence, are not allowed to practice or participate in school activities that day.
Trips/Medical Leave/Etc.:
If an extended absence is planned during the school year, a few steps are needed to ensure that all teachers and staff are aware of the student's location:
Contact the main office (208) 855-4225 to begin the Pre-Arranged Absence process at least 3 school days prior to the trip if possible. You may also leave a message with the information on our attendance line at (208) 855-4230 so we may get any necessary forms to your student.
Provide the student's name, grade and date(s) of absence.
A Pre-arranged absence form will be generated for the student to take to each teacher. The teacher will write assignments on this form or direct you to their website.
The form will go home with the student for the parent's signature.
The student will return the form to the attendance secretary; copies will be made for the student's file and one for the student. Attendance is marked PRC or VAC.
The days out of school will count against the allowed six (6) absences per semester.
The West Ada School District maintains that academic success is directly attributed to maintaining regular attendance through the school year.
