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Sahag-Mesrob Armenian Christian School
For from him and through him and for him are all things. To him be the glory forever! Romans 11:36
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Attendance And Absence Policies


It is important that students arrive to school on time.  This is part of the students’ education in promptness, self-discipline and responsibility.
ARRIVING TO SCHOOL FOR NURSERY TO 5TH GRADE STUDENTS:
Please arrive to school ahead of schedule and follow the guidelines given below.  Come to school from Altadena Drive, enter from upper gate, do not block the driveway, leave from the lower gate and go South from Maiden Lane.

SCHOOL HOURS for Nursery to 8th grades:
7:30 AM –  School gates open
7:50 AM – Best time to arrive to school for Elementary
8:00 AM – Bell rings, students line up and go class
8:01 AM – Student is considered tardy

8:15-8:30 AM - Best time to arrive for Pre-school
9:00 AM – Pre-school begins
2:30 PM – Pre-school dismissal.  Parents must pick up their children no later than 2:45 PM.   If the student is not picked up by 3:30 PM, after-school fees will apply
3:10-3:15 PM – KG to 8th grade dismissal.  Parents must pick up their children no later than 3:45 PM.
3:20-4:20 PM – After school activities
3:45-5:00 PM - After school care
5:00 PM – School gates close



TARDINESS:
We expect ALL students to be in class on time and ready to begin learning when the bell rings. Students MUST take full responsibility to be prepared when arriving in classroom on time including completing homework assignments, having all textbook and notebook materials, and has studied sufficiently to be successful when assessments and test are administered. 



ABSENCE  POLICY:
Arranged Absence:  If a student has an above average attendance and academic record, there may be situations where the parent arranges with the principal and teacher for a planned absence to meet the need of a family situation.  An independent study program will be arranged.

Excused Absence:  Excused absences are due to student’s illness, doctor or dental appointments, family bereavement or family critical illness.  Parents must notify the school by phone or preferably in writing.  Otherwise, the absence will be treated as an unexcused absence and grades will be lowered.
Unexcused Absence:  All absences not for the above reasons are considered unexcused.  Teachers are not required to give make up work for unexcused absences.  Grades will be lowered due to unexcused absences.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES:
When it is necessary for a student to be absent, please follow the procedures below:
  1. Student MUST have a note from the parent or guardian stating the dates and reason for the absence in order for the student to be readmitted to school.  An absence beyond 5 days must have a readmittance note from a doctor.  These notes will become part of the student’s permanent folder.
  2. Parents must call the school office after 8:30 AM on the morning of the absence and EACH DAY the child is absent. This prevents truancy. An official written note will still be required from parents on the day the student returns to school.
  3. Communicable diseases (e.g. chicken pox, louse infestation, mumps, etc.) are to be reported to the school office by telephone as soon as diagnosed.  Thereafter the school will inform the parents of other students of the possibility of exposure.
MAKE UP WORK RELATED TO ABSENCE:
  1. If the child is ill with an extended illness, disability or family situation (more than 3 days), please contact the office and make arrangements for homework. 
  2. When parents request make up work, the teacher is notified.  The teacher will try to have the assignments ready by 4:00 PM on the day requested or by the following morning.
  3. When a child returns to school, he/she is responsible to make up assignments missed.  The teacher will give deadlines for missed work.




DEPARTURE PROCEDURES FOR PRE-SCHOOL TO 5TH GRADES:
Pre-school ends at 2:30 PM.  Parents are urged to be punctual in picking up their children between 2:30 PM and
2:45 PM.
For KG to 8th grade, school ends at 3:10 PM.  Parents are urged to pick up their children between 3:10-3:15 PM.  Students who are picked up after 3:45  PM habitually will be sent to day care and parents will be charged day care fees.  


Traffic Guideline: 
During arrival and departure parents are requested to approach the school entrance from the Altadena Drive side (North entrance) and leave school from the Mariposa Street side (South entrance).  Please form 3 lanes and DO NOT PARK YOUR CAR IN DRIVEWAY OR LEAVE IT UNATTENDED!