Call the attendance office (485-8606) to report the absence and send a note upon your son or daughter's return to school.

What do we do if we have a doctor's appointment or need to have an early dismissal?

Send a note with contact information so the attendance office can verify the request. Unless it is an emergency, students are to get an early dismissal form BEFORE SCHOOL on the day the dismissal is needed. When your son or daughter returns to school send a note. We cannot allow students to be checked out of school by anyone who is not on the contact list.

How do the new standards for CATS affect graduation?

Students must complete a portfolio that is scored above novice. They also must score above novice on math (junior year) and reading (sophomore year).

What if my child is late to school?

If students are late (after the tardy bell) they must report to the attendance office on the south campus 1st floor to get an admit slip. Even with an admit slip they will be counted as unexcused tardy unless it has been excused by the attendance office. See tardy policy

How do I find out if school is canceled, on delay, or dismissed early due to bad weather?

The best way is to check local television and radio stations. The district sends press releases as soon as decisions are made and the media outlets do a great job of relaying the information. Calling school early in the morning is the least effective way to find out.

What is educational leave and how do we apply for it?

The educational leave policy is a way that allows students to engage in activities outside of the classroom that are deemed "educational" by the principal and not be counted as absent from school. There is an application form in the attendance office and there is a verification form. Both forms must be completed and returned in order for the leave to be awarded.

If I have a problem with or question about a grade what should I do?

Contacting teachers about grades should always be the initial step. Phone calls to 485-8604 should result in a returned call. There are also e-mails for every teacher on staff. The teacher school e-mails are first and last names separated by a period @jefferson.kyschools.us. For example, to e-mail Jane Doe, the e-mail address would be Jane.Doe@jefferson.kyschools.us.

What are school hours?

Students can enter the building after 7 a.m., and need to leave by 3 p.m. unless they have a supervised activity. Work hours for teachers are 7:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The tardy bell rings at 7:40 a.m. and dismissal is at 2:20 p.m.

How can I keep up with school events and information?

This website and Thebruinsden.com are two school websites that are student operated and maintained. They contain the most up-to-date information that we have.

How can I get involved with the PTA?

During summer registration there will be a table and you can stop by to fill out membership cards or you can stop by the north or south offices and pick up a card. The membership cost is minimal but the benefits to Ballard are remarkable. Our PTA is active and very supportive and always in need of volunteers.

What if my son or daughter loses a book or rental calculator?

Another book or rental calculator will not be issued until the lost item is paid for. If there are circumstances when more time to pay for a book or calculator is needed a confidential phone call to the principal should be made to discuss payment.

Failing a class

If a student fails a class the parents will receive a letter in the mail to notify them of the student failing.

How grades affect sports players

For a student to be on a sports team they must maintain at least a 2.0. If a sports player does fail a class they are put on probation and are sent to study skills for three weeks. If after the next grading period their grades haven't improved they will be removed from the team. (Freshmen can fail one class and not be sent to study skills.)

Cell phone policy

If a student is caught with a cell phone or other electronic device he/she will have it taken away for 10 days on the first offense, on the second offense the phone will be taken away for 30 days. If a student refuses to give their phone up, they will recieve a 3 day suspension.

Fighting in school

Students caught fighting in school will be disciplined depending on the severity of said fight. They will be suspended which can range from 1-20 days with a parent/guardian conference.