BHS Attendance Policy

- Six absences or fewer in a 12-week trimester will allow a student to receive credit if earning a passing grade.

- If a student earns seven or more absences (up to 10) they must earn a C+ or higher on the cumulative trimester exam to receive credit.

- Eleven or more absences in a given class will result in that student being denied credit. A credit recovery process is described below.

Note: Both excused and unexcused absences count toward the absence totals. Absences that will not be counted toward the absence total include school related absences, conferences with counselors or administrators, prearranged college visitations, and suspensions.

It is the belief of Belding Area Schools that regular attendance contributes to the High School’s instructional goal of developing traits of punctuality, self‑discipline, and responsibility. A major factor in academic and social growth for students is consistent attendance. Students with good attendance generally achieve higher levels of academic success, enjoy school more, and are more employable after leaving high school.

A student who attends BHS will have five 75-minute classes each day for approximately 12 weeks. A core/required class will meet for two 12-week sessions and have an A and a B section. An encore/elective course will meet for one 12-week term. A select few courses will meet all year, or for three 12 week terms. This list of classes includes band, yearbook, and Advanced Placement courses.

If a student has between 0-6 absences in a 12-week term, they will receive credit for a class as long as they have earned a passing grade. When a student moves into the 7-10 absence range, they will need to demonstrate competency at the C+ (77.5%) level, or higher, in a class to receive credit. Once an individual has surpassed the 10-absence mark, they will need to serve “credit recovery” time to receive credit for the class.

Our attendance line is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. You can take advantage of this option by calling 616-794-4979. If you would prefer to speak to a person, please call 616-794-4953, between 7:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Each Wednesday throughout the school year, from 2:35-3:35 p.m., an academic (tutoring) center is hosted by the National Honor Society and their advisors. Students can attend on a voluntary basis or they can be assigned the session by one of their instructors. In most cases, if a teacher requires one of their students to attend, it will be to make up an assignment that the young person failed to complete and/or turn in.

If a student has more than 10 absences in a class, they will serve “academic detention” time after school in an attempt to make up for time they have missed. During this time, they can take tests or quizzes, or complete any type of missing work. For every hour of time served, a student will have one day deducted from their absence totals.

Notify one of the administrators, or the NHS advisors, if you need assistance with a ride home at 3:35 p.m. We have several different options for helping a student get home in a timely manner.

Yes. If a student has two or fewer excused absences in a respective class, they will qualify to take their final exam at least one day early. As a result, they will get time off from school, with no penalty, the last day of a term.

No. As we attempt to maintain the integrity of our attendance incentive, we will have to ask any student who misses an exam as a result of an absence, to make it up upon their return (after the term ends).

Does the expectation outlined above apply even the end of the school year?

Yes. A student who misses the exam window in June will need to return to BHS during summer break to complete their exams.