Cactus Canyon Junior High

Good Attendance Is Crucial

Consistent attendance is a key to academic success and is the responsibility of parents and students. Since much of the learning cannot be made up (e.g., discussions, participation, etc.), students should remain out of school only when absolutely necessary.

Excessive absences are a concern to us and should be to the child's family. A student whose absences total 18 days or more in a school year and whose absences have negatively affected his/her academic progress may be retained. Teachers will inform parents when absences are affecting grades.

What to Do

When your child is going to be absent from school, the parent/guardian should call the attendance line before 9:00 a.m. to report the absence. When calling in an absence, please state the child's name, grade and the reason for absence. It is for your child's protection that this policy exists, and we appreciate your cooperation and support. 

Students are considered tardy if they arrive at school after 7:25 a.m. The office should be contacted using the attendance hotline or in person by the child's parent or guardian when a child will be arriving late. A child is considered truant if the school is not contacted.

Cactus Canyon office hours are 6:25 a.m. to 3:25 p.m., Monday - Friday on school days

Attendance line is (480) 677-7565 ext. 2400

District Policy on Attendance Includes:

• Whenever a student is not present in a classroom, he/she is marked absent;
• Excused absences are those validated by parents by phone on the day of the absence or those pre-arranged by the parents;
• Prearrange absences at least two school days in advance of the planned absence or as soon as possible;
• Absences due to suspension are considered part of the total absence count;
• All other absences are truancies and are subject to disciplinary action.
• Students missing 10% of school days (18 days per school year, and/or 9 days per semester) are at risk for not receiving credit for the classes as well as additional consequences.

According to district policy, the student is responsible for obtaining make-up assignments and for completing those assignments within prescribed time lines. A student returning from an excused absence will have an amount of time equivalent to the number of days absent to complete and turn in assignments. 

As prescribed by ARS § 15-802 and 15-803 students between ages 6-16 years old missing more than 10% of school days without proper documentation (e.g. doctors note) may be issued a citation.

School hours on Early Dismissal days are 7:25 a.m. to 12:25 noon.