Attendance Policy
Statement of Overall Objectives
School attendance is both a right and a responsibility. The School District is an active partner with students and parents in the task of ensuring that all students meet or exceed the New York State Learning Standards. Because the School District recognizes that consistent school attendance, academic success and school completion have a positive correlation, the School District will develop, review and, if necessary, revise a Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy to meet the following objectives:
**NOTE - Chronic Absenteeism is defined as missing 10% of school days for any reason; excused or unexcused. Chronic Absenteeism is a primary cause of low academic achievement and is a powerful predictor of future dropouts. See below for the interventions that will be provided:
Level 1 (5%) - Middle School Attendance member will contact parent/guardian and will touch base with the student.
Level 2 (8%) - Letter sent home including the attendance ladder and current attendance record.
Level 3 (10%) - Attendance Action plan completed with a member of the Middle School Attendance Team and the student. Parent/guardian contacted. Action Plan mailed home. *Home visit may occur at this step.
Level 4 (15%) - Letter home requesting a parent meeting with the Assistant Principal and the student to review attendance guidelines and possible referral to outside agencies for support.
Level 5 (>20%) - Possible submission of referral to county agencies (PINS, CPS) for assistance.
Determination of Excused and Unexcused Absences, Tardiness and Early Departures
Based upon our District's education and community needs, values and priorities, the School District has determined that absences, tardiness and early departures will be considered excused or unexcused according to the following standards:
(example - class cutting, family vacation, non-school sponsored field trips, hunting, babysitting, obtaining learner's permit, road test, oversleeping, hair cut, shopping for prom dress/tuxedo.)
Notice of Students who are Absent, Tardy or Depart Early Without Proper Excuse
A designated staff member shall notify by telephone the parent/person in parental relation to a student who is absent, tardy or departs early without proper excuse. The staff member shall explain the District's Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy and the District's/building intervention procedures.
If deemed necessary by appropriate school officials, or if requested by the parent/person in parental relation, a school conference shall be scheduled between the parent/person in parental relation and appropriate staff members in order to address the student's attendance. The student may also be requested to attend this conference in order to address appropriate intervention strategies that best meet the needs of the student.
Disciplinary Consequences
Unexcused absences, tardiness and early departures will result in disciplinary sanctions as described in the District's Code of Conduct.
Appeal Process
A parent/person in parental relation may request a building level review of their child's attendance record. Remember to call daily if your child is ill.
Keeping track of all our students each day is a very important responsibility for us. With your help, we can account for each student in our school. This is especially significant in the event of a home or school emergency. It is also important that our records of attendance for each student are accurate. Your calls and notes help to clarify and verify information. Thank you for your help.
Each day your student is absent from school, please notify the school nurse and state the nature of illness. If your student will be late please state the approximate time of arrival and the reason for late arrival. Notes are appreciated for tardiness.
If your student will be absent for any reason please state the reason for absence.
All students need to be signed out by an adult if they are being picked up. However, they may sign themselves back in. If someone other than the parent/legal guardian is picking the student up, please include the name of the responsible person on the note. When a student arrives late, they must sign in through the Main Office. Students must sign in on their return from appointments to receive a pass to class.
Parent/Legal guardian should sign the student out when leaving ill from school, or give permission stating exactly who may pick the student up.
Homework:
On the second day of absence the parent may call the Main Office for homework request. We must receive a call by 9 a.m. in order for homework to be available by dismissal.