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Vacation Absence Expectations
At CCS, we recognize that families sometimes choose to travel or take personal time during the school year. While the school does not control those decisions, we want families to understand how extended absences affect student learning and what our policies allow teachers to do.
The following expectations apply school‑wide to all grades.
Family Decision, but Not Recommended
Coaldale Christian School is not in a position to grant or deny permission for a student to miss school for family travel or other planned absences. This decision rests with parents/guardians.
However, CCS discourages extended absences for holidays or personal travel, as they can significantly impact student learning, assessment, and group work.
Teachers May Decline Requests for Work Ahead
Students and parents sometimes request:
- future assignments
- tests or quizzes taken early
- a packet of work to take on vacation
- permission to work ahead in a unit
Teachers may decline these requests, because:
- Lessons and assessments are created and adjusted daily.
- Many learning experiences depend on in‑class teaching, discussion, collaboration, and hands‑on work.
- Work done early, without instruction, often leads to gaps in understanding.
- Some assignments, labs, presentations, or assessments cannot be recreated.
Advance work is not always possible or appropriate, and teachers may choose not to provide it.
JH/SH Students Requesting Early Work
In the upper grades, students sometimes request to:
- write tests early
- complete assignments ahead of schedule
- access to material that has not been taught yet
Teachers may approve or decline these requests based on:
- where the class is in the unit
- whether the material has been taught
- test security
- whether the work is ready or appropriate for early completion
There should be no expectation that older students will automatically receive permission to work ahead.
Responsibility for Missed Work
If a student misses school for a planned absence:
- The onus is on the student to take responsibility for work missed.
- Students must plan and work to catch up upon return.
- Missed exams, tests, or assignments are not excused for vacation absences.
- Teachers are not required to give make‑up tests for these absences.
- Teachers are not expected to re‑teach material already covered during the absence.
Compassionate leave is handled differently, and teachers will show appropriate consideration in those circumstances.
What Teachers Will Do
When a student returns from an extended absence, teachers will:
- indicate the key concepts or skills the class covered
- direct students to assignments they can complete
- offer reasonable clarification when appropriate
However, some in‑class learning simply cannot be replicated.
Key Message
- Extended absences have academic consequences.
- Teachers may decline requests for advance work, and students are responsible for catching up on material missed upon return due to planned vacations or personal travel.