School Hours and Attendance

books with a graduation cap on top of them

Supervision begins at 7:30 a.m. when the Vaughan doors open each school day.  The late bell rings at 7:50 a.m. and the dismissal bell rings at 3:00 p.m.

Attendance 

Regular school attendance is essential for a student to make the most of his/her education ... to benefit from teacher-led and school activities, to build each day's learning on the previous day's, and to grow as an individual.  Absences from class may result in serious disruption of a student's mastery of instructional materials; therefore, students and parents should make every effort to avoid unnecessary absences.

Students enrolled in school are required to attend school.  if a school-aged student is deliberately not attending school, a court of law may impose penalties on the parent(s) or guardian.  A complaint against the parent(s) or guardian may be filed in court if the student:

  • Has an unexcused absence or partial day unexcused absence from school on ten or more days within a six-month period in the same school year, or

  • Has an unexcused absence or partial day unexcused absence from school on three or more days within a four-week period.

In addition, for a student to receive credit for a class, he/she by law must attend at least 90 percent of the days the class is offered.

For specific laws and policies regarding attendance, please review the Student Handbook.

Parent's Note After an Absence

On the day a student is absent, his/her parent/guardian should call the attendance clerk at 972.727.0470.  Upon returning to school, the student must bring a note, signed by the parent that describes the reason for the absence and the date(s) of the absence.  After 3 school days, the absence will be considered unexcused if a note has not been received by the school office.  Faxed notes may be accepted if they contain all required information including the parent/guardian signature.  Emails will not be accepted.

Doctor's Note After an Absence for Illness

Upon return to school, a student absent for more than five (5) consecutive days because of a personal illness must bring a statement from a doctor or health clinic verifying the illness or condition that caused the student's extended absence from school. 

For specific laws and policies, please review the Student Handbook.

Tardiness

A student who is not in class at the designated start time is late and is subject to disciplinary action.   Partial day absences may be due to late arrival to school or early departure from school or class.  Truancy may be filed if the problem continues and the number of partial day absences is a violation of the compulsory attendance law.

For specific laws and policies regarding tardiness, please review the Student Handbook.