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Attendance Policy

Attendance Policies

Attendance Office Information

Attendance Clerk: Ms. Evelyn Hernandez

Submit Attendance Notes:

  • Attendance Office or by emailing Evelyn.Hernandez@ocps.net

Attendance Office: 407-816-5600 Extension 6085664

Attendance Resources

General Attendance Expectations

Regular attendance is essential to student success. School attendance is the responsibility of both the student and parent/guardian.

Please note:

  • Attendance documentation must be submitted within 48 hours of a student's absence.
  • Absences will remain unexcused until acceptable documentation is received and reviewed.
  • Students who are absent for three or more consecutive days or have more than five non-consecutive medical absences may be required to provide a doctor's note.
  • Phone calls are not accepted as documentation to excuse an absence.
  • Early departures during the final hour of the school day are strongly discouraged.
  • Students who miss more than half of the school day will be marked absent for the entire day.
  • Students who attend more than half of the school day but leave early will be recorded with an early departure.

Excused Absences

Absences may be excused for the following reasons:

  • Personal illness or injury
  • Illness or death of an immediate family member
  • Religious holidays or religious instruction (must be requested in writing at least five school days in advance)
  • Medical appointments (documentation required)
  • Legal appointments (documentation required)
  • Participation in approved school activities or instructional programs
  • Pre-arranged educational absences approved by the principal
  • Head lice infestation (up to four school days per year)
  • Catastrophic events or emergencies that significantly impact the student or family

The principal maintains final authority in determining whether an absence is excused.

Tardies and Attendance Corrections

Students who are not in their assigned classroom when the bell rings are considered tardy.

If a student believes there is an attendance error, they should contact their teacher first. The teacher will work with the attendance office to make any necessary corrections.

Make-Up Work

Students will be provided a reasonable opportunity to make up assignments missed due to an excused absence. At a minimum, students will be allowed one school day for each day of absence to complete make-up work.

Credit and Attendance Requirements

Florida law and OCPS policy require students to receive a minimum of 135 hours of classroom instruction to earn course credit. This generally corresponds to:

  • No more than 10 absences per semester, or
  • No more than 20 absences during the school year

 

Maintaining regular attendance is one of the most important factors in student achievement. Freedom High School encourages all students to attend school daily, arrive on time, and remain in class throughout the school day.