ATTENDANCE POLICY

Regular and punctual school attendance is essential for success in school. The School Committee recognizes that parent/guardians of children attending our schools have special rights as well as responsibilities, one of which is to ensure that their children attend school regularly, in accordance with state law.

A student's understanding of the importance of day to day school work is an important factor in the shaping of his/her character. Parents/guardians have the responsibility for ensuring that students attend and remain at school daily.

All absences, dismissals, and tardiness will be considered “unexcused” except for the following:

1. Illness or quarantine.

2. Bereavement, when confirmed in writing by the parent/guardian.

3. Observance of major religious holidays.

4. Approved school related activities including field trips, college visits, and job interviews.

5. Mandated legal appearances.

Parent/guardians must provide a written note and a phone call for the absence and tardiness of a child. This will be required in advance for types of absences where advance notice is possible.

In instances of chronic or irregular absences reportedly due to illness, the school administration may request a physician's statement certifying such absences to be justifiable.

Regardless of the reason for the student’s absence, and regardless of whether parents/guardians have submitted a written note or called the school to explain the absence or tardiness of their child, students will be officially recorded as absent or tardy on days when they are not in attendance at school or are late coming to school.

Students in grades 5-12 who are absent more than half the school day will not be allowed to participate in any after-school or evening activities that day. Students with excessive attendance issues may be determined to be ineligible to participate in class and/or school sponsored events.

If a student is absent for other than the reasons stated above for seven full-day sessions or fourteen half day sessions within any six-month period, the parent/guardian and student may be sent a written notice of the absences; parents/guardians will be given the opportunity to meet with a designated staff person within ten school days to discuss the student’s status, and determine any reasonable accommodations to ensure the student’s consistent attendance in school.

LEGAL REFS.: M.G.L. 76:1; 76:16; 76:20

SCHOOL OBLIGATIONS

The Northbridge School Department will fully comply with and enforce Massachusetts’ laws requiring court notification and action on behalf of any child between the ages of 6 and 16 with more than 7 unexcused absences in any 6-month period.  All parents of students in this category will be notified in writing that a Chins (truancy) or criminal (failure to cause attendance) complaint has been made.  The Principal, acting as the representative of the School Committee, shall have sole jurisdiction in determining whether an absence shall be excused.  The Principal for “excused” status will consider issues of serious medical impairment, bereavement, religious holidays, or emergencies.

Parents of students with 3 or more unexcused absences or 6 or more tardies in any term may be required to attend a meeting withschool officials BEFORE he/she will be allowed to return to school.

Any student unable to attend a regular school session cannot participate in any afternoon or evening school activities unless the Principal approves a written request.  The Principal may also suspend other school privileges and activities if a student has accrued 3 or more unexcused absences in any given term.

Sometimes, excessive absenteeism can be an indication that abuse or neglect exists in the home.  Where necessary, a referral will be made to the state Department of Social Services.

OTHER GUIDELINES

1. All students at the Balmer Elementary School must be in class when school begins, or they will be considered tardy.
2. Students arriving more than 5 minutes after the start of school MUST report to the office for a late slip accompanied by a parent.
3. Early dismissal requests require prior written notification from a parent.

Notes from Home to School

A note to your child’s teacher is required when:

• Your child will be late for school
• Your child will be dismissed early
• Your child returns to school after an illness
• Your family changes addresses and/or phone number
• Your child’s transportation plans change