** 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 the student is 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 are primarily responsible for ensuring students attend school regularly and arrive on time for classes.

• State law requires that parents/guardians ensure their child is attending school regularly.

• 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's note for each absence).

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

• Religious holidays.

Official documentation must be submitted to the school promptly for an absence to be considered excused. Failure to report and explain the absence(s) promptly will 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 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.

• The 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 2028) – Ms. Laura Baffa

   • 10th grade (c/o 2027) – Ms. Juwana Dixon

   • 11th grade (c/o 2026) – Ms. Gail Larson

   • 12th grade (c/o 2025) – Ms. Theresa Grant

4. The Dean’s Office

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

   • Mr. Rodrick Lawson, Assistant Principal (If your child’s last name starts with A-K)

   • Mr. Brian Ivine, Assistant Principal (If your child’s last name starts with L-Z)

5. The Principal’s Office

   • Mrs. Heather Spinneweber, School Secretary

   • Mr. Andy Papczynski, Principal

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