Destin High School

Reporting of Absences

• To excuse an absence, parents must call the attendance office at (850) 204- 4044 or email Mrs. Dottin at the school at leonor.dottin@staff.destinhighschool.org to report a student’s absence the day of the absence. Parents should send a note explaining the nature of the absence the day the student returns to school. The note should be submitted to the front office.
• Students will have five (5) school days, including the day they return, to bring in written verification for an excused absence. The absence will be considered unexcused if the school does not receive written verification or a phone call for the excused absence within that time frame.

School Notification of Absences

• After each absence, excused or unexcused, parents will be called by the automated phone system. In addition, after the fifth, ninth, and fifteenth absences, excused or unexcused, the parent or legal guardian will be notified by mail of the attendance policy and of the possibility of consequences for any additional absences.

Requesting Assignments

• Please email teachers to request assignments for extended absences. The teacher emails can be found on the DHS Faculty & Staff Page. Please allow one school day for teachers to makeup work.

Attendance is not just a cornerstone of education; it’s a foundational skill for real-world success. Every day missed at school is a missed opportunity in a student’s learning journey, significantly hindering the educational process.

At Destin High School, our commitment extends beyond academic instruction. We aim to equip our students with the life skills necessary for success in both college and their future careers. Understanding the importance of punctuality and regular attendance is part of this preparation. Just as consistency is crucial in the workplace, where tardiness or absences can lead to serious consequences like financial penalties or job loss, it’s equally important in the educational setting.

To reinforce these values, after spring break, we will introduce measures to address frequent absenteeism and/or tardiness among our students. A new policy will be in place after spring break where any student with three unexcused tardies will be required to attend a 30 minute after-school detention. Tardies will be monitored daily, and continued tardiness will incur additional detentions. For instance, a fourth tardy will incur another 30 minute after-school detention. A fifth instance of tardiness will escalate to a Saturday School session and further tardiness will result in more severe disciplinary measures.

Through these actions, we aim to underscore the importance of punctuality and attendance, not just for academic success but as essential life skills that prepare students for the demands of the professional world.
We appreciate your cooperation in fostering an environment where every student is ready for both college and career, understanding the critical role that punctuality and regular attendance play in achieving their goals.

Please see the Faculty & Staff Page for the up to date list of all of our administration, teachers & coaches

Parking and Traffic Flow Information for Destin High School

As we begin the new school year, please review the following parking and traffic flow details to ensure a safe and smooth arrival and dismissal process:
 

🚗 Parking Designations:

• Green Parking – Staff Only: All faculty and staff will be assigned a numbered green parking space. Staff may paint their spot if they choose!
• Yellow Parking – Seniors Only: A limited number of yellow spots are available for seniors. These are being sold by the senior class, and will go on sale on Friday, Aug 8 at 9am. The 66 available spots are being sold on a first come, first serve basis. The senior parking spot fee is in addition to the regular parking pass.
• Blue Parking – Students & Overflow: All other student drivers and overflow parking should use blue spaces. Parking passes are required and cost $100. They are available for purchase on this form.
• Purple Parking – Visitors: Guests and campus visitors should use the purple designated area.
• Orange Parking – Custodial & Utility Vehicles Only: Reserved for custodial staff and school utility trailers.

🚦Traffic Flow & Drop-off/Pick-up Info:

• Orange Line = Bus Zone: This is the designated pick-up and drop-off area for buses only. Please do not use this area for car-line riders.
• White Line = Car Rider Line: This is the ONLY approved area for student drop-off and pick-up by car for morning and afternoon pickup.
• Red X = No Drop-off/Pick-up Zone: These areas are strictly prohibited for any car rider drop-off or pick-up. Please help us avoid congestion and keep all students safe by following this rule.

Please review the attached map carefully and follow all signage and staff directions on campus.
Thank you for helping us create a safe and efficient environment for all students and staff!

Gates open at 7:30am for drop-off.

Please see the Activities & Clubs page HERE for the up to date information on clubs & activities at Destin High School.

Please take a look at the counselor’s corner page.