Missing School

liger98

5-Year Member
Joined
May 5, 2015
Messages
35
I am a current Junior and I was accepted into the summer programs (SLE, NASS) so I will be missing about 2 weeks of school during June. My school schedules finals exams and stuff during the time that I am gone. The day I come back is the last day of classes so I cannot take remedial classes. If I take the finals, it will be unfair for me. My guidance counselor didn't know how to advise me probably because this is the first time this has happened in my school. In the past, how has this dilemma been handled? Do the academies step in or something? Anyone with any experience about this?
 
If you search through the postings, scheduling conflicts for summer programs are a fairly common topic. The advice given is generally to seek to reschedule to a later session. If that doesn't work, then you've got to make a decision. Previous candidates have had to choose between school, Boys State/Girls State, sports, etc. Your situation is not uncommon. Just remember, NASS, SLE and other programs are primarily recruiting tools. They are not critical nor mandatory. You will not be disadvantaged in your application by not attending. Screwing up your grades, however, could put you in a serious disadvantaged position.
 
Since your guidance conselor is at a loss, you may wnat to schedule a chat with your principal. Explain your goals/the reason you want to attend these program (and how this fits into your goal of attending an academy) and see if a solution can be found. Also explain that you have already spoken with your guidance counselor and that this person did not have a solution /any ideas for you.

One possible compromise is that you attend only one so you'll only miss one week of school. Or perhaps they'll make an exception and allow you to reschedule your exams. There is a certain prestige when a high school has a student gain admission to one of the academies.
 
I had to miss a week for USAFA Summer Seminar and people were fine. Rescheduled tests and anything no problem.
 
You need to find out if these will be considered excused absences and the maximum number of days your school district allows you to miss. Our district will not give credit for a semester class if more than 8 days are missed during the 90-day term.
 
Unfortunately, I already confirmed my spot in both programs and whatnot and I don't plan on giving up this experience. As for rescheduling exams, I'll try to reschedule the exams that I can definitely take before I go (History for sure). My school definitely allows for me to take time off for this program. On the other hand, would it be possible for me to bring some books to the Academies to study or is it definitely going to be discouraged and not allowed?
 
I'm taking my exams before I leave for SLE, you may want to talk to individual teachers to schedule that and have your parents write into the attendance office at your school to excuse your absences- this is how I plan to approach the scheduling issue at least. As for bringing books, I've heard that we don't get a lot of free time there and we'll be memorizing rates in whatever free time we have (I think, correct me if I'm wrong) so I'd try to get schoolwork out of the way before you leave for seminars.
 
Yeah, I'll ask some teachers about it more thoroughly. At least there's still a silver lining to all these issues: I have a good excuse to not be able to finish a stupid book for English class lol.
 
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