Absences
The importance of regular attendance by all students is stressed by the faculty and staff of Short Pump Middle School. Students are expected to attend school each day and also arrive on time to school and each class. Teachers in each class record student attendance throughout the day. Absenteeism not consistent with the record of a student's absence for the day, or a class during the day, is investigated and reported to the appropriate grade level administrator.

Parents should call the school at 360-0800 by 9:30 a.m. if the student is absent or will be late in arriving. All student absences are considered unexcused unless the parent calls the school or sends a written note to provide a justifiable reason for the absence, within 24 hours of the absence. Students will receive no credit for assignments during unexcused absences. Students who reach five (5) days of unexcused absences will be referred to the School Social Worker. A written statement from a physician may be required when a student misses more than ten (10) days during the school year because of illness.  Acceptable excuses for temporary absence from school include the following: (1) illness of the pupil; (2) serious illness in the family which reasonable necessitates absence of the pupil; (3) death in the family; and (4) special and recognized religious holidays regularly observed by followers of a particular faith. The principal must approve other reasons. 

Parents seeking approval for future absences must submit a request to Mr. McAuley at least two weeks in advance.  Parents are discouraged from taking students out of school for vacation or business trips as there are many days allocated in the school calendar for that purpose.  Due to state and federal attendance requirements, few days, if any, will be excused for missing school outside of sickness.  Absences not approved in advance, through the principal, may result in no credit for work missed during the absence.  Due to state testing in late May and early June, absences other than illness will not be excused during this time.   Parents may email Mr. McAuley at  thmcaule@henrico.k12.va.us. 

Tardies/Missing Class
As per the HCPS Code of Community Conduct, students are expected to attend all assigned classes every day. Absence from class includes late arrival, early dismissal, or missing from any class. Justifiable reasons for non-attendance should be submitted to the school for each absence, late arrival, or class absences. Absences from class require approval from the administration. Unexcused tardies and/or missing classes are considered violations of compulsory attendance and students may receive no credit for work missed. See Code of Community Conduct for more information about attendance, tardiness, and truancy.

The faculty of Short Pump Middle School believes that homework is an
essential part of student learning. Homework provides practice for skill
development, promotes good work habits, and increases self-direction and responsibility. Homework is due on the assigned date and may not be accepted late. Homework should not exceed thirty minutes per subject per night. Homework may account for up to 20% of a student’s grade. Projects, reports, and other assignments are to be turned in on time; the grade will be lowered one letter grade for each day the assignment is late, and after five days assignments may not be accepted.

Students absent from school five or fewer consecutive days will have the number of consecutive days absent, plus one to make up work missed during their absence. This policy also applies to school-related absences.

A 24-hour turnaround time is required to get homework gathered for a student. It is the student's responsibility to request make-up work.

If a student is absent three days or fewer, the student may get his/her assignments in the following ways:

1. Check with his/her "Study Buddy" in each class
2. Check the homework make-up book/chart in the teacher's room or the teacher's website
3. Speak to the teacher before school or during BRIM

Students absent more than five days will have up to two weeks to make up work missed during their absence, depending on the length and nature of the absence. Please contact your child's guidance counselor to assist in obtaining make-up work if your child has an extended absence.

Textbooks are furnished free of charge to the students of Henrico County.

• The care of each book issued to a student is that student's responsibility.
• Each textbook should have the student's and teacher's name inside the front cover.
• Textbooks are required to be covered to minimize wear and tear.
• At the end of the school year, a book may be rated one level lower than its condition (at the time of issue) without a charge being assessed.
• If a book needs rebinding, a fee will be assessed for this repair.
• Parents will be notified by the issuing teacher of fees for lost or damaged books.
• Students will not be issued a replacement book until the lost book fee is paid.
• If all textbooks are not returned and damage fees paid at the end of the school year, parents will need to come to school to pay these fees and pick up the student's report card.