Absence Policy Reminders

Hello everyone,

As a reminder, the absence policy for the band has not changed- only the procedure for reporting absences. As a reminder, 

"There are very few excused absences and those require advance approval by the band director. Reasons for excused absences MAY include.....

• Singular medical appointment. Must be communicated two weeks in advance. If an absence for a medical appointment cannot be communicated in advance, please bring a doctor’s note ASAP. If a recurring appointment time may cause multiple absences, please talk to me...

• Athletics. Many band members are active in school sports and are encouraged to do so. Responsibility is on the student to coordinate schedules to be available for band rehearsals and functions...

• For athletic contests and practices to be counted as excused partial or full absences, students must communicate their sports schedule two weeks in advance or ASAP..."

If the above reasons are NOT communicated with the proper conditions, they will be counted as unexcused. For example, if a coach schedules  a morning practice last minute your student must absolutely be present at, they will be excused if a parent fills out the absence form ahead of time. It is also acceptable for students to speak to me in class about last minute athletic conflicts. Students will not be excused if they show up late without communicating.

If your student must miss for an emergent reason, please communicate as soon as possible. If you have a known conflict, the planned absence must be communicated at least two weeks ahead of time or it will be counted as an unexcused absence. If you are unsure on whether or not the conflict is excusable, please see the "Absence Policy" section in the band handbook. 

Please note that two (2) unexcused absence of rehearsals or an unexcused absence from a performance will result in disqualification of the next performance opportunity.

Every student is important to the band's success. Thank you for your cooperation and support for the band!

Best,

Ms. Reven