William Albury

The 2023-24 school year brought stricter enforcement of Miami Palmetto Senior High’s attendance policy. Miami-Dade County’s attendance policy gives an outline of what schools across the county should be following; otherwise, its enforcement is up to the school’s administration.

The policy defines each attendance — mentioning school attendance, class attendance, tardies and early releases — and acceptable excuses for each, excluding early releases. 

MPSH has outlined the attendance policy effective this school year. A major part of the policy states that there should only be 10 total absences per school year, both excused and unexcused. The first 10 absences may be excused with a parent note; however, after 10 absences, a doctor’s note must be provided. 

Tardies may only be excused with a doctor’s note or official document of immigration, court or motor vehicle services. 

Excessive absences and tardies can result in suspension of one’s driver’s license or learner’s permit with the Florida Department of High-Way and Motor Vehicles. In addition to this, students will be removed from school activities including but not limited to prom, grad bash, sport participation, field trips and others.

To excuse any tardies or absences, visit palmettopanthers.org, select the “Students” tab and view the “Attendance” section. Here, one can submit an admit request for either an absence or tardy. Absence admit requests will automatically be rejected after 72 hours of coming back to school. 

With early release, absences from class must be excused by the individual teacher with a note from a parent or doctor.

Though the early release policy seems to be new, it has always been in place at MPSH. 

“It’s always been that if you leave early, you’re supposed to bring a note for your teacher,” Assistant Principal Jesus Tellechea said. “For whatever reason you’re leaving early, if you have a doctor’s appointment…You’re supposed to bring a note. Just because you left early doesn’t mean it’s an excuse because technically you’re absent from that class. The only thing we did differently is notify you guys that’s what the policies are. It has always been the case that if you are not in your class, you’re absent,” Tellechea said.