SCHOOL WIDE ATTENDANCE POLICY
Absences/Tardies
When your child returns to school, he/she must bring a note explaining the
absence, preferably from a doctor. As of April 18, 2007, the School Board
of Miami-Dade County, Florida approves a new Student Attendance Rule (6Gx13-
5A-1.041), which would be in effect during the 2007-2008 school year. One
critical change is that ALL ABSENCES will initially be reported as unexcused
until appropriate documentation is submitted, as outlined in the Student
Board Rule. This rule may be accessed on the Districts website at
http://www2.dadeschools.net/schoolboard/rules/Chapt5/5a-1.041.pdf and serves
to strengthen accountability for students and schools and defines excusable
student absences. Additionally, grades and credits may be withheld for
excessive unexcused absences, that is, five (5) or more absences in a
semester course and/or absences in an annual course, pending action taken by
each schools Attendance Review Committee.
The presence or absence of each student shall be officially checked during
the first hour of the instructional day. Present applies to the presence of a
student for a minimum of 2 hours of the insructional day in which school is
in session.
Absences (up to 10) are EXCUSED for the following reasons:
a) student illness
b) medical appointment
c) death in the family
d) observance of a religious holiday or service, when it is mandated
for all members of a faith.
All other absences are unexcused, including outdoor suspensions.
CELEBRATIONS/PARTIES IN SCHOOL
Only school scheduled celebrations will be permitted. Family celebrations
such as birthdays, anniversaries, etc. should be held at home.
CAFETERIA MEALS/LUNCH PROGRAM
Elementary students pay $2.25 daily for lunch. If you received free or
reduced lunch last year, you MUST FILL OUT A NEW APPLICATION. Additionally,
NO FAST FOOD LUNCHES WILL BE ALLOWED.
CLOSED CAMPUS
As a result of the Jessica Lunsford Act (HB 1877), beginning with the 2007-
2008 school year, Bob Graham Education Center will maintain a closed
campus. Parents/guardians must drop off students in the designated drop off
areas.
VISITORS
Please be advised that if you are visiting the school due to an activity in
your child's classroom, you are NOT allowed to bring a sibling or any other
child that does not attend our school. Having children on school grounds
that do not attend this school is a liability as well as a distraction.
VOLUNTEERS
Parents, please be advised that all volunteers MUST fill out a School
Volunteer Program Registration Form, FM1746E. You MUST be cleared by Miami-
Dade County Public Schools before initiating your volunteer service. Once
you have obtained a volunteer number, it does not have an expiration date.
At the discretion of either M-DCPS or the volunteer, it can be terminated at
any time.