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You do not serve ISS. The child must stay after school to make up each absence that is unexcused. We had a problem the first year with the school accepting a doctor's note. One quick trip to the principal and it was excused. The policy is very strict because there are so many kids that repeatedly miss a lot of school. Yes, it does cost $5. When you understand that the school has to pay someone to watch over the little darlings, it makes sense.
Sorry, but I must disagree with you. I don't know if your child goes to a different school in the district. The high school my daughter attends is even more strict about absences and doctor's notes - while they excuse the absence as to make it "lawful" does not "waive" the absence.
I do understand why this policy has/had to be put in place, and I whole-heartedly agree with the reasons behind it (kids skipping school, faking illness, ditching classes, etc.) but I just think it's being enforced in such a harsh way when even kids who have been legitimately ill have to pay to make up their absences, and yes - I was told "in school suspension". That comes from both the principal and superintendent.
Just as a side note, my daughter mentioned to me that during lunch, the principal and assistant principal blow whistles now (in addition to the normal bells that ring) and shout at the kids while they're eating (i.e. 10 more minutes before lunch is up and you have to be in class!) which again I think is a little overboard. My daughter's opinion is that this principal came from an elementary/middle school background so he's used to dealing more with a younger crowd who might respond to whistles, etc. But the kids in high school really don't appreciate the extra stress and someone blowing whistles while they're trying to eat.
You do not serve ISS. The child must stay after school to make up each absence that is unexcused. We had a problem the first year with the school accepting a doctor's note. One quick trip to the principal and it was excused. The policy is very strict because there are so many kids that repeatedly miss a lot of school. Yes, it does cost $5. When you understand that the school has to pay someone to watch over the little darlings, it makes sense.
Sorry, but I must disagree with you. I don't know if your child goes to a different school in the district. The high school my daughter attends is even more strict about absences and doctor's notes - while they excuse the absence as to make it "lawful" does not "waive" the absence.
I do understand why this policy has/had to be put in place, and I whole-heartedly agree with the reasons behind it (kids skipping school, faking illness, ditching classes, etc.) but I just think it's being enforced in such a harsh way when even kids who have been legitimately ill have to pay to make up their absences, and yes - I was told "in school suspension". That comes from both the principal and superintendent.
Just as a side note, my daughter mentioned to me that during lunch, the principal and assistant principal blow whistles now (in addition to the normal bells that ring) and shout at the kids while they're eating (i.e. 10 more minutes before lunch is up and you have to be in class!) which again I think is a little overboard. My daughter's opinion is that this principal came from an elementary/middle school background so he's used to dealing more with a younger crowd who might respond to whistles, etc. But the kids in high school really don't appreciate the extra stress and someone blowing whistles while they're trying to eat.
It's interesting because I know this principal is trying to enforce discipline but he seems a bit heavy handed to me. Even while we were walking to the meeting I was at at school recently, he shouted in a very aggressive manner to some kids in the hall because they were "talking too loud". So he shouts at them as a form of discipline?? Hmmmm . . .
She goes to TC Roberson High School in south Asheville. She is a junior. Yes - I agree, very military-like behavior. Seriously, I could see if this was a inner city school riddled with fights, etc. but it is not. Do they have their fair share of discplinary problems? Of course, just like any other school. But it's not what I would call a "rough" school by any means nor would my daughter.
ooops, that's where my kids will go to, too. hoped for another answer ..... that stinks.
we chose this school because it's very good reputation. Lots of people said, beware of asheville middle/high, since they are inner city schools ... not sure about that 'warning', can it be worse ? do they use horse whips ?
I always hear as one of the biggest goal, that paying each other respect is one of the biggest goals .... blowing a whistle at lunchtime or making the student pay late fees (no matter what reasons) doesn't sound like it's the same on both sides.
my daughter is very sensitive, never got in trouble, but gets the flu (i think I mentioned that already) 10 days a year. now she has to be scared to get sick again ?
I can't imagine you are the only parent who dislikes this whole situation. Is there an active PTO ? I hope so !
ooops, that's where my kids will go to, too. hoped for another answer ..... that stinks.
we chose this school because it's very good reputation. Lots of people said, beware of asheville middle/high, since they are inner city schools ... not sure about that 'warning', can it be worse ? do they use horse whips ?
I always hear as one of the biggest goal, that paying each other respect is one of the biggest goals .... blowing a whistle at lunchtime or making the student pay late fees (no matter what reasons) doesn't sound like it's the same on both sides.
my daughter is very sensitive, never got in trouble, but gets the flu (i think I mentioned that already) 10 days a year. now she has to be scared to get sick again ?
I can't imagine you are the only parent who dislikes this whole situation. Is there an active PTO ? I hope so !
Well, I think we are in the same boat. I just recently moved here and of course wasn't aware of these attendance policies until now - you said you are moving here next year? I haven't gotten involved in PTA/PTO but I am looking into it - so I don't know how active they are?
TC Roberson is a great school academically and my daughter has enjoyed going there for the most part. She's made lots of nice friends. She is also a good student and doesn't ditch classes or skip school. I think there is a lot of "chatter" amongst parents I know about our new principal this year, and frankly, my hope is that he will only stick around for this year and decide he doesn't care for the high school environment.
Sorry, I don't mean to come off as a negative person because I truly try not to be (and nothing against the principal personally) but I don't think the attitude and policies he brings to the table are productive or positive.
we just want the best for our kids and know them well - and can't be wrong on that
yes, we are moving spring/summer of 2012.
and, that's the thing, being great academical wise is not everything. but I am glad your daughter made a lot of friends - that hopefully helps her through. moving at that age is difficult enough - you should not have to deal with this kind of trouble
I promised my kids that they will be able to attend great schools - hopefully buncomb county proofs me right ....
I really think, contacting or even better joining the PTO can be a good chance to change something.
It isn't ISS. It is called Make-Up attendance. I am a senior and in the same boat. I have a few chronic conditions that cause me to get sick a lot. I am currently seeing specialists at Mission Children's to determine yet another condition I have. I missed 3 days in the second week of school. So far, I have a total of 8 ish absenses. I already have more tests and follow ups scheduled or being scheduled and not to mention if I get pneumonia for the 4th time this school year! For a straight-A student like myself who doesn't skip school, it's a darn shame to fail a class only because you were helplessly sick - Chronic conditions are something people can't help. They don't choose them like they are puppies. They are handed to us whether we like it or not and the policy to waive absenses is set in place to help people, like myself, remain in school.
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- sounds like military school to me.
