Updated Student Absence/Early Dismissal Procedures 2023-24

When a student is absent, the parent/guardian must report the absence to the school by emailing MHHSabsence@hcpss.org.  The e-mail should include the following:

• Student first and last name - absence in the subject line  
• Send from the e-mail address on your family file 
• Date and reason for absence
• Parent name and phone number

Upon receipt of the note, the attendance record in Synergy will be updated to reflect the excused absence.  

A student has five days from the date of the absence to send a note. If the note is received after the five-day grace period, the absence will remain unexcused. If a note is not received, the absence will be documented as Truant (unexcused). Please see the Secondary Student Handbook for more information. 

Late Arrival Procedures

Students who arrive late to school will enter through the main entrance. The student will proceed to the attendance window and see Ms. Ichrist, the attendance secretary, to check-in.  Students will be provided with a slip to share with their teacher.  Students who are unexcused tardy to school will receive consequences after the third time. 

If it is an excused tardy parents should email a note to mhhsabsence@hcpss.org. We will not accept handwritten notes.  Please include:

• Student first and last name and late arrival in the subject line 
• Send from the e-mail address on your family file
• Indicate the reason for the late arrival.
• Parent name and phone number

 

Early Dismissal Procedures

Please have your student bring their note to the attendance window in the morning. They will receive a pass to show their teacher and will be allowed to leave class and meet their parent/guardian in the parking lot (or drive themselves). The note should include:

• The student’s first and last name (not a nickname)

• Reason for early dismissal
• Time of early dismissal
• Parent signature and phone number
• iI the student will be returning.
  
  Please ask your student to check in at the attendance window if they return.  Parents are welcome to sign their student out at the attendance window if it is a last minute appointment.

What is considered an excused absence?

A lawful absence is an excused absence for any portion of the day under the following conditions:

• Illness of the student
• Death in the immediate family
• Court summons
• Observance of a religious holiday - complete THIS FORM if you need to be absent for a religious observance
• Hazardous weather conditions (as determined by the Superintendent)
• State emergency (as determined by the Governor)
• Suspension
• Lack of authorized transportation (school system transportation)