Family Handbook 2025-26

ACADEMIC LIFE

Returning From an Extended Absence After Illness Upon returning to school after an extended absence due to illness, parents are asked to send an email of explanation that will be shared with the School Nurse. The Nurse keeps this note on file. To prevent the spread of infection, students should not come back to school until they have completely recovered. In the case of communicable diseases such as measles, chickenpox, etc., the school must be provided with a medical certificate indicating that all danger of infection is over and that the student is fit to return to school.

Planned Extended Absences Through the Forum for Change Programming

When students are successful in applying for any of our Global Experience programming (Exchange, Round Square and/or Global Learning Projects), the Forum for Change staff will provide the Extended Absence form and share it with both the students and their teachers. Students will then follow the steps outlined below in “How Students Should Prepare for a Planned Absence.” This will be an essential step to the success of the experience for the student. Failure to complete this process may jeopardize their participation in the programming. How Students Should Prepare For a Planned Absence 1. ​ Email all teachers to alert them of the upcoming absence. In this message, indicate that you will be seeking them out for a face-to-face meeting in order to plan work and set dates for missed assessments. Ask them what time/location would be best for this meeting and then confirm that you will be there. Write this into your agenda. Do not miss these appointments! 2. ​ Visit every teacher in person at an appropriate and pre-arranged time (i.e. not right before class starts). Ask them what work will be covered and what you must do to ensure this work is completed. During this time, you should make arrangements to complete any assessments. 3. ​ Students are responsible for providing assessment evidence for the overall expectations missed during their absence. Students must use their Canvas class website to stay up-to-date with their classes.

4. ​ When it is possible, students should complete assignments in advance of the absence.

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