ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

Education is a cumulative process. Each day of school is an important part of the students' educational growth and development. It is extremely important that every student attend school every day unless prevented by a situation that is absolutely unavoidable.

If a child is absent, he/she should bring a note on his/her returning day.  The note should state name of child, date, days absent, reason and parent's signature.  Each absence and tardiness requires a note.  The school should be notified if a child is or expects to be absent three or more days.  If the school has not been contacted during an extended absence, the school nurse or other personnel may contact the home for information.  A doctor's note for absence of five days or longer is required.  Children who will be absent because of religious holidays must bring a note prior to the absence.  Board Policy states that a note is required for every absence.

It seems that each year more children are being taken out of school for vacations and long weekends. While we value the importance of family time, it has been our experience that some of those students cannot afford to miss instructional time and/or are not able to focus again on their schoolwork when they return.  Asking for work to be sent with the child head of time while on vacation is not a solution since homework is designed to be used after classroom instruction.

In the case of family trips, if prior to the trip the parent writes a letter to the school principal outlining the educational opportunities provided during the trip, consideration for excused absence will be given.  Should a student be absent for any of these reasons, the responsibility for the absence rests with the parent.  The law provides for a limited number of days of unexcused absence without penalty.

Students may be excused for "URGENT REASONS".  Please discuss the situation with the principal.  We will follow the provision of the School Laws of Pennsylvania.  Specific questions not covered by these guidelines should be referred to the principal.  Unusual situations or anticipated absences requiring interpretation of the compulsory School Attendance Laws should be brought to the principal's attention before the anticipated absence.