QUINCY WEEKLY ANNOUNCEMENTS
Quincy Elementary students are focusing on being great DUX every day!
Depend on each other
Understand our own value
eXpect to be safe
Each week we will create a video weekly announcement to emphasize our mission to follow expectations and to be great people. We will share our weekly videos on this blog so families can participate in our mission too!
Quincy Weekly Announcement on Mon., September 10: https://youtu.be/Wu3FSCOsY80
Quincy Weekly Announcement on Mon. September 17: https://youtu.be/Yfl3KbJOoig
Quincy Weekly Announcement on Mon. September 24: https://youtu.be/nDVyXL50JTA
ATTENDANCE POLICY UPDATE
We are fortunate to be part of a strong community that values and supports quality education. As partners in your child’s learning, we strongly believe in preparing all students for college or career readiness. ZPS is Learning for Life!
One of the important soft skills that builds into every student’s success is attendance. Local employers agree that regular school attendance builds a standard of expectation, and develops a level of accountability that will carry well into adulthood.
To further emphasize the importance of attendance accountability, Zeeland Public Schools, in cooperation with neighboring districts, developed an Ottawa County Attendance Policy and Absenteeism Protocol to deter chronic absenteeism. Chronically absent refers to a student being absent 10% or more of enrolled school days in an academic year. Many of the details within the policy mirror what has already been in practice at ZPS. For most families, the new policy will have minimal to no effect on current attendance practices.
Currently, a verified excused absence includes:
- Parent or doctor verified sickness or injury
- Physical health or mental health appointments with doctor’s note
- Religious holidays
- Funeral / death in family
- Treatment for lice
- Documented and mandated court appearances
- Extreme weather
- Travel, up to 5 days, with prior official approval
- Educational opportunities, with prior official approval
- Placement by juvenile court in detention
The biggest change is the area-wide requirement of a doctor’s note for all medical appointments that take place during the academic day. Most medical offices automatically provide a slip to verify appointments. This slip can simply be turned in to the office upon the student’s return to school. Should you forget, simply turn in the slip the following school day.
To clarify on a point of recent confusion, ZPS does not require a doctor slip for every full-day absence due to sickness. We understand that illness does not always necessitate a doctor visit, and therefore, parent verification is an accepted excused absence. However, should illness or injury be an ongoing experience, a doctor slip will be required by your child’s school. It is always best practice to stay in communication with your child’s school regarding any situation that may result in absences beyond a few days.
We fully understand that any change in policy can pose questions and concerns. This framework is developed with your active communication in mind. We encourage you to always seek clarification from your child’s building regarding your personal situation. Thank you for taking an active role in understanding this new set of protocols and partnering with us to prepare your child for a successful future.
Click HERE for the complete OAISD Attendance Policy and Absenteeism Protocol.
DANCING WITH THE TEACHERS
Dancing with the Teachers 2018 is October 13, 7:00 PM at DeWitt Auditorium.
Some of our favorite teachers will be dancing on October 13 in hopes of winning the mirror ball trophy. During the family-friendly dance competition, audience members will vote for their favorite teams. Be sure to bring a wifi-enabled device! Get your tickets soon as they sell quickly! New, this year, you may also purchase t-shirts to show your support. Ordering information for tickets and shirts can be found here: https://sites.google.com/zps.org/zeelanddance/performances
