Attendance

HCS Attendance Policy

• School day: 8:15 AM – 3:15 PM

• Students must attend the full day unless authorized to leave by school officials.

• Absence: Not attending an approved class, program, or activity (unless attending an approved alternate activity).

• Tardiness: Not being in the assigned location at the designated time.

• Checkout: Leaving before the official end of the school day

If Your Student is Absent

• Return a note on the first day back.

• Include the reason, and a parent/doctor signature.

• Notes must be returned within 3 days.

• Limit: 3 handwritten notes per semester.

• Email notes to DHSAttendance@henry.k12.ga.us

Excused Absences:

• Doctor’s appointment

• Mandated court appearance

• Religious holiday

• Personal illness

Unexcused Absences:

• Woke up late

• Driving school

• Senior pictures

• Family vacation

Students missing 10% or more of school days (excused or unexcused) are considered chronically absent.

All excuses for absences must be submitted within three days of returning to school.

How Families Can Support

• Encourage daily attendance.

• Monitor attendance in Infinite Campus and set alerts.

• Stay aware of schedule changes and bell schedules.

Change of Transportation Procedures

• Students must bring change of transportation notes to the Attendance Office at the beginning of the school day.
• The note must include:
  • Parent/guardian signature
  • Telephone number for verification.
• The Attendance Office will call the parent/guardian to verify the change.
  • If the change involves a bus number, approval is required from the Transportation Department.
• No changes will be accepted over the telephone or by email.