I agree that if it is decided that communication is to be initiated, then you start with the teacher and the teacher only. If you are not getting any response at all from her or if that response seems to violate the make-up policy, then I would copy the guidance counselor or department head on any future correspondence.
Copying someone above her in the first correspondence is in my mind too provocative and does not give her the opportunity to resolve the matter first. She is only going to interpret it as you trying to obtain leverage by going over her head.