Periodically, there are occasions when parents or guardians need to withdraw their child from school for three or more days.  It is important to note that extended absences affect students’ achievement, as they miss out on valuable instructional time.  Additionally, assignments and tests occur at regular intervals throughout the semester.  If tests or assignment due dates will be missed because of this absence, prior arrangements must be made with the teacher for earlier completion and/or completion upon the student’s return.  Ideally, it is recommended that families avoid withdrawing students, if at all possible.

When an absence is necessary, we ask students to discuss it as soon as possible with their teachers, in order to keep up with scheduled class work and assignments.  Daily lessons are designed to meet the needs of the class, and therefore, a teacher cannot always predict the specific progress within a unit of study.  For this reason, it is advised that the student arrange for a “buddy” in each class to collect handouts and share other lesson notes upon the student’s return.

Please note that a week’s absence is equivalent to 20 classes, or 25 hours of missed instructional time.

This NHS Student Extended Absence Form outlines the procedure to follow for an extended absence.