GENERAL
Learning benefits by regular class attendance. Consequently, students are required to be present and on time for all classes and other school functions. Attendance is taken at the beginning of each class. Failure to abide by this basic, but essential, requirement may result in termination of enrollment. Parents must ensure that student and family take regular class attendance seriously, make attendance a priority, and comply with the Wisconsin Compulsory Attendance Law.

TARDINESS
Tardiness is disruptive to the learning environment not only for the tardy student, but for all students in the classroom. Tardiness occurs when a student enters the classroom after morning announcements have begun. If this happens, the student must report to the School Office for a tardy slip and present a note from the parent or parental designee indicating the reason for being tardy. Parents must ensure the student has this required note. A student who misses 5% of the day, either in the morning or afternoon, will be marked 1/2 day absent. Habitual tardiness in excess of three times per quarter will not be tolerated and will result in a mandatory meeting with the parents and the pastor. Excessive tardiness may result in serious consequences for the student, including:

• Becoming ineligible for academic recognition/awards.
• Denial of field trip opportunities.
• Termination of enrollment.

ABSENCE
Absence from school affects the student's ability to learn and experience the classroom teaching environment. While it is understandable that situations occur which are unavoidable and necessitate a student missing school, these occurrences should be minimal.

Students who have been absent from school during the day due to illness cannot attend any social/extracurricular events in the afternoon and evening, including athletics (games/practices), dances, or service events. This is to foster the attitude that school and associated responsibilities should be the number one priority.

Absences may be considered either excused or unexcused; however, all absences are cumulative and are documented on the student's permanent school record.

Excused Absences
Excused absences require that parents notify the School Office by calling 414-358-4603, Ext. 2 before 9:00 a.m. to report the student absence and the reason. In addition, a note signed by the parent or doctor is to be presented when the child returns to school. Excused absences may include:

• Illness or injury.
• Family emergencies.
• Pre-approved high school shadowing for 8th graders only.
• Medical appointments that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours and the School is notified in advance.

• Absences in which proper notification or documentation is not provided.

• Becoming ineligible for academic recognitions/awards.
• Denial of field trip opportunities.
• Termination of enrollment.

EARLY RELEASE
Students will only be released prior to the end of the school day if a note from the parent or guardian is submitted and is cleared with the principal and teacher(s). The student is to be picked up in the School Office by a parent or guardian. This release will be listed as a "dismissal" on the report card. However, a student who misses 5% of the day, in the afternoon, will be marked 1/2 day absent.

VACATIONS
It is strongly recommended that vacations and trips be planned in conjunction with school vacations to ensure continuity in the educational process. Teachers will not be required to give students work before vacation; however, students and parents will be responsible for securing the work immediately upon return.

MISSED ASSIGNMENTS
Assignments and missed work are to be made up by the student regardless of being absent, tardy, or truant. Upon returning to school, the student must make specific arrangements with each teacher to complete the required work. Such assignments must be handed to the teacher(s) within the same number of days the student was absent. Those assignments not handed in by that time will be considered missing unless an extension has been agreed upon by the teacher(s), parent, and student.
PLEASE NOTE: It is the responsibility of the student and parents to find out what was missed and to turn it in on time in the case of any absence. Daily assignments will be on each teacher's voicemail by 3:30 p.m. each day. Call 414-358-4603, enter Option #3, and enter the room number.

SCHOOL CLOSING
Any decision on closing school due to inclement weather conditions will be broadcast on radio station WTMJ (AM 620). To avoid confusion, this will be the only station contacted by our school. If Milwaukee Public Schools close, so will St. Bernadette. School closings which are not weather-related will be communicated through radio station WTMJ (AM 620) if practical or through a telephone tree.