Reporting an Absence
Being present is half the formula for a successful high school student. Any absences not cleared by the end of the day will generate an automated attendance phone call and/or email to remind you to do so. The failure to communicate with the Attendance clerk within 24 hours may result in a disciplinary referral to the Dean of Students and/or Administrator for consequences.
If your student cannot attend for all or part of the day, we ask that you email to let us know as soon as possible. Students, even those over 18, are not allowed to call and excuse an absence or sign themselves out.
Email us at dcchs-attendance@asd20.org or call 719-234-2802.
Attendance Reporting
All student absences must be reported by the legal guardian of the student to the attendance office.
Students must check-in and check-out at the Attendance Office when leaving early or arriving late (this does not include arriving back at school from off hours or open campus). Freshmen do not have off-campus privileges.
Early Dismissal or Late Arrival
Handwritten Note (preferred)
The preferred method to excuse a student that will be leaving early or arriving at school late is a handwritten note, especially if your student will be leaving before 10 am. Due to the high number of calls and email in the morning, the note must be written in ink and include:
Student’s name, date, and time of absence
If they will be returning to school (for early dismissal)
Parent signature and contact information
Phone Call
A call may be left on the attendance line, but this line is for last minute or emergency appointments. Please leave a message that includes:
Name of the person calling and your relationship to the student
Name of the student. Please spell all last names
Date of the absence
Reason for absence
A telephone number that we may call to clarify questions or to verify the absence if needed
If a student is to be checked out for an appointment, please let us know if they will be returning
If a student is leaving campus and will not be returning for the remainder of the day, they must be excused by a parent or guardian and check out at the attendance office. Students, even those over 18, are not allowed to call in and excuse an absence or sign themselves out.
Pre-Arranged Absence
For an extended pre-planned absence of more than two consecutive days, please fill out our Pre-arranged absence form and print it out for students. Allow your student enough time to obtain the required signatures and turn in the signed form to the Administration Office no later than 2 days before the absence.
Full Day Absence
If your child needs to be excused for the entire day and the absence is not an emergency, please email DCHS Attendance Office at dcchs-attendance@asd20.org.
The Attendance Clerk can and will record absences in advance. Feel free to email ahead of time when you know your student has a future appointment!
Examples of excused absences
Illness or injury
Medical/dental appointments
Funerals
Court/law enforcement
Family emergency
School-related activities
Religious holiday
Administrative approval
Illness
If a student becomes ill during the school day, they must report to the health room located between the high school and middle school for an early dismissal. If they are going to be picked up, you may pick them up at either the high school or middle school entrance.
COVID
Per District guidelines, if your student has tested positive for COVID, they must isolate for 5 days after symptoms began. After that, they may return to school if they are symptom free (without medication) for 24 hours. It is recommended that they wear a mask for the next 5 days.
Being Tardy
Timely attendance in class is essential for academic success. Consequently, being tardy 5 or more times in one class will result in a referral to the Dean of Students, and may result in a loss of privileges.