Dear High School Students and Parents,
With the end of the school year in sight, we are so pleased that students can complete their studies on campus. The highest quality teaching and learning happen in person when teachers and students can actively engage in the learning process face-to-face.
Under the guidance and direction of the government, we have kept our community as healthy and safe as possible, and our expectation is that students attend school on campus so that they have the strongest foundation possible in preparation for next year and can advance successfully.
Such is also the expectation of the International Baccalaureate (IB) and the College Board (AP) who require that students sit their AP and IB exams on campus. They will not offer online exams this year.
To ensure that teachers can maximize the in-person time with students, we have made a few small but necessary changes to our attendance guidelines and want to share our expectations with you.
Attendance Guidelines and Expectations
- Medical absences must be confirmed by the SSIS Health Office to count as excused.
- Assessments will only be given on campus under a teacher’s direct supervision (unless the student is enrolled in the Remote Learning Program).
- Family travel/vacation are not excused absences. These absences will be marked as unexcused in accordance with our school policy.
- The Remote Learning Program will continue for students already engaged in this program.
Please note that unexcused absences may result in a student missing work and not receiving credit. For further information about our attendance policy, please see the High School Student Handbook, pp. 46-49.
This has been an extraordinarily challenging year. And yet, each day, we see how our students continue to persevere and make the most of every opportunity. To ensure they continue to receive the best support, maximize their learning and further strengthen our high school community, we need them on campus.
Thank you for your continued support and I wish you a restful spring break.
All my very best,
Ms. Jennifer Mendes
High School Principal
