PUPIL ATTENDANCE

Regular attendance in classes is important. Successful learning can seriously be impaired by excessive absences. New Jersey school attendance laws allow excused absences only for the following reasons: Absence due to personal illness which is verified by a physician's note, absence due to death in the family, absence for approved religious holidays, absence due to suspension, and other absences, including those for a portion of the school day, authorized by the Principal with prior approval. Part-day absences may be granted for medical disability, motor vehicle driver's test, college interviews, court appearance, and medical or dental appointments which cannot be scheduled outside of school hours. The school shall be notified in advance of such part-day absences by written request of the pupil's parents or guardians.

The Principal shall require from the parent or guardian of each pupil a statement of the reasons for any absence. Such communication shall be by a telephone call between 7:30 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. on the day of absence and if the absence is to be excused (non-cumulative) a parents' note for absence due to death in the family or religious holiday, or a doctor's note within ten (10) days of the student's return to school. If a valid excuse is not submitted, the absence will be considered unexcused. Days missed due to personal/family vacation taken during days when school is in session are unexcused absences.

Course credit will not be issued to any pupil who misses over sixteen (16) meetings of a full-year course, ten (10) of a semester-course, or six (6) of a marking period Health course due to cumulative unexcused absences. An appeal process in accordance with District regulations is available for possible reinstatement of credit.

Pupils who have been absent from school for a full day or have been suspended may not participate in after-school activities on the day of absence or suspension. In order to participate in any after school activity, a pupil must be in attendance at school for at least one-half (l/2) of his or her scheduled school day.

Students tardy to school must report to the Attendance Office for an admission slip before going to class. Unexcused tardiness during the first twenty (20) minutes will count as one-half (1/2) absence; and during the last twenty (20) minutes as one (1) full absence from that class. A third unexcused tardiness will result in disciplinary action.

Make-up work is the responsibility of the student. Immediately upon return to school from an absence, the student shall make arrangements with each of his or her teachers to make up missed assignments, classwork, tests, and other activities.

A full copy of the Board of Education policy (JED) and regulations (JED) concerning pupil attendance is available upon request from the Principal's Office at each school.