WARDEN — A new program aimed at assisting students to graduate, in spite of excessive absences from school, is starting at Warden High School.

“Under state regulations, students who miss more than 15 days of school in a semester do not have enough seat time to earn credit,” said principal Chris Rust. “Students who have chronic illnesses or family emergencies often lose their ability to earn credit in classes in spite of passing grades because they aren’t in school enough.”

Washington state law defines a high school credit as 150 hours of in-school instruction.

“Students who miss more than 15 days in a 90 day semester just don’t have enough hours in school,” said Rust.

Under the program, students forfeiting credit are allowed to appeal to a board made up of a teacher, a classified staff employee and a community member. The student and their parents are required to present the reasons for the absence and the efforts the student made to make up for the time missed.

The board can reinstate the credit, agree to grant credit conditionally or uphold the forfeiture.

 “Some students have legitimate reasons for missing school, while others are choosing not to attend,” Rust said. “Our job is to motivate the students who are choosing not to attend and assist those who are to stay on track to graduate.”

Board members volunteer about an hour of their time, two to three times each month for hearings.

Warden High School is located at 101 Beck Way.

For more information, call Chris Rust at 509-349-2581.