** To support students/parents, this section of the RHS website is devoted to communicating and clarifying information about attendance policies and procedures. Please review this information carefully before contacting the school with attendance-related questions. If you still have questions, please reference the appropriate contact information below. **

School attendance is the actual presence of a student at school or away from school if participating in a qualifying educational activity that aligns with the approved instructional program.

• Missing class or entering class late can result in students falling behind academically.

• Parents/guardians and students themselves are primarily responsible for ensuring students attend school regularly and make it to classes on time daily.

• State law requires that parents/guardians ensure their child is attending school on a regular basis.

• The absence types listed below are considered excused. These do not count toward absence totals considered for failure due to absences:

• Court dates with documentation (i.e., copy of court order).

• Illness with medical documentation (i.e., official doctor note for each absence).

• Chronic and extended illnesses (requires the submission of a Chronic Health Form in advance of any absences accrued).

• Religious holidays.

For an absence to be considered excused, official documentation must be submitted to the school in a timely manner. Failure to report and explain the absence(s) in a timely manner shall automatically result in unexcused absence(s). At a minimum, this documentation should be provided a week before the end of each semester.

• Attendance information has never been more readily accessible for parents/guardians and students. Therefore, excessive absences should never be a surprise.

• The school makes every effort to communicate attendance information in good faith.

• Every absence also results in automatic phone calls to the primary number on file for parents/guardians. Note: It is always the responsibility of parents/guardians to provide the school with the most updated contact information.

• Absences are documented in FOCUS daily, and FOCUS is accessible 24/7.

• Administration makes weekly morning announcements regarding attendance expectations.

• The principal’s weekly newsletter (The Raider Report) includes regular attendance reminders.

1. Attendance Office to address general attendance questions/concerns.

   • Mrs. Laura Rivera, Attendance Clerk

2. Your child’s classroom teacher(s) if questions about specific days your child was marked absent.

3. Your child’s cohort guidance counselor.

   • ESE Counselor – Ms. Jennifer Gerry

   • 9th grade (c/o 2027) – Ms. Juwana Dixon

   • 10th grade (c/o 2026) – Ms. Laura Baffa

   • 11th grade (c/o 2025) – Ms. Theresa Grant

   • 12th grade (c/o 2024) – Ms. Gail Larson

4. The Dean’s Office

   • Mrs. Janice Dermer, Dean’s Clerk (general attendance questions)

   • Ms. Sarah Perry, Assistant Principal (If your child’s last name starts with A-I)

   • Ms. Ashley Cross, Assistant Principal (If your child’s last name starts with J-Z)

5. The Principal’s Office

   • Mrs. Heather Spinneweber, School Secretary

   • Mr. Burt Clark, Principal

For further information regarding attendance policies set forth by the school district, please visit the Attendance section of the Brevard Public Schools website.