Regular school attendance is important and a major factor in the academic success of each student. Active participation and interaction by students in the classroom is an essential part of the instructional process and is only experienced through regular attendance. The primary responsibility for ensuring regular school attendance rests with the parent(s)/guardian(s) and the student. Through the cooperative efforts of parent(s)/guardian(s), it is hoped each student will develop attendance habits and attitudes which will be helpful to his/her present and future endeavors.
For complete information regarding Traverse City Area Public Schools attendance guidelines and procedures (Policy 5200), students and parents/guardians are asked to refer to pages two and three of the Secondary Student/Parent Handbook.
Ø If an absence does occur, the school (like an employer) should receive a telephone call the same day from a parent/guardian informing the school of the reason for the absence. This includes being late (tardy) for school.
Tenth Grade attendance hotline: 933-3507
Eleventh Grade attendance hotline: 933-3508
Twelfth Grade attendance hotline: 933-3509
Central High School Attendance Office: 933-3519
Ø When contacting the Attendance Office by telephone or in writing, please be sure to provide:
o Student's full name (with spelling) and grade
o Identify your relationship to the student
o Reason for the student's absence
o The length of time you suspect the student to be absent or late to school.
Ø Interruptions to a student's educational schedule sometimes occur. Students and parents/guardians are encouraged to use the school calendar when scheduling appointments, trips or vacation time. If an appointment does occur or a student needs to leave school, parents/ guardians are asked to:
o Send a signed/written note with your student and have them bring the note to the Attendance Office. The note should include:
Student's full name, grade, and date
Reason the student needs to leave school
Time the student needs to be dismissed.
o Please arrange pick up times for students between classes, during lunch or during off hours.
o Upon returning to school from an appointment, students are to sign in at the Attendance Office.
Traverse City Area Public Schools and Central High School takes responsibility for the health, safety and welfare of its students. Therefore, whenever any student leaves or returns to school during the day, they must sign in/out through the Attendance Office.
When it becomes necessary for a parent/guardian to provide a student with information or a message during the school day: Central High School wishes to collaborate with parents/guardians and be helpful whenever possible. It is important to know however, that all messages are hand delivered. We will attempt to deliver messages as time and personnel permit. Please call the appropriate office:
A – K Office 933-3520
L – Z Office 933-3540