Students who meet the eligibility criteria for Gifted and Talented services are mandated by the state to attend REACH classes each week. State regulations set a minimum number of minutes of instruction that each student enrolled in a gifted and talented program must receive. Absences are only considered lawful if the student is absent from school. Absences due to make-up class work, failing grades, punishment, parental request, emotional distress, illness not requiring absence from school, or special events such as parties and field trips are not permitted.
When the parents and qualifying GT students sign the placement form to participate in the REACH program, they agree to abide by the state's mandated attendance policy. Students must diligently attend and participate in the GT program in order to be successful in the GT coursework.
If the school principal foresees a future activity that will occur on the student’s REACH day, the principal may request permission for the student(s) to be excused from REACH. The written request should be submitted to the REACH Lead Teacher at least two weeks in advance of the event.
