Students should be in school for the full day. Release during school hours will be permitted only in exceptional cases which meet the standards outlined in this policy. Under no circumstances may a student leave school without the approval of the principal. Neither may the student leave in the company of any person other than a parent, legal guardian, school employee, or a person designated by the parent or legal guardian, except by written request of the parent or legal guardian. 
1. Hardship. Early dismissal may be granted only in highly selective cases of extreme family hardship, confirmed by the school social worker, recommended by the principal, and approved by the Superintendent. The student must satisfy all conditions listed in item (1) above and in addition must meet the following three conditions of hardship: a) Family income which would qualify the student for free or reduced-priced lunch (whether or not application is made); b) Satisfactory evidence that the student's income is necessary to prevent family destitution, that is, suffering from severe lack of food, clothing and shelter; c) Satisfactory evidence that the student is unable to obtain adequate employment outside regular school hours. 
2. Work-Based Learning Programs. 
Students approved for early release for co-operative employment programs as part of regular school courses shall leave school daily according to procedures established for those programs under work-based learning guidelines.