Attendance

Attendance Policy

Good attendance and classroom participation are vital to success at school. Students should miss school only when sick, for religious holidays or under extenuating circumstances. Parents/Guardians should make appointments at times that do not conflict with school, and vacations should be planned so that students do not miss valuable classroom time.

Absences are categorized in two ways: excused and unexcused. An excused absence is documented by a doctor’s note or when your child is sent home by the nurse. An unexcused absence is when a child’s nonattendance is not explained by a doctor’s note or for a vacation, for example. The reasonable legal interpretation of absences calls for a student to not be absent more than (7) full school days or (14) half-days within a six month period (see MGL Chapter 76, Section 2). When a child is absent more than 7 full school days within the given period, a letter will be sent home notifying parents/guardians. More serious consequences could occur if the number of days absent increases.

Reporting Absences 

Please email chattendance@doversherborn.org and your classroom teacher, each day by 7:20 a.m. to notify the school if your child will be tardy or absent along with the reason for absence or tardiness. NO CHANGE OF DISMISSAL ON THE ATTENDANCE EMAIL.

It is not necessary for parents/guardians to send notes for absences if the above procedure is followed.

Vacation Absences 

The school strongly discourages the practice of taking family vacations during times other than regular school vacation periods and teachers are not to provide packets of work in advance.

If a student will be out of school for a family vacation, the student will be responsible for making up work and assessments upon returning. Note that missing school not only impacts the student's skill development and growth, it may impact a student's report card.

Home or Hospital Temporary Tutoring

If a student cannot attend school for an extended period due to medical reasons, the school nurse will contact the family to request that the student's physician complete the Department of Education’s “Physician’s Statement for Temporary Home or Hospital Education” form and turn it in to the Health Office. Upon receipt of the medical order, the school nurse will review the form to determine eligibility pursuant to 603 CMR 28.08(3). If eligible, the school nurse will work with the guidance counselor and principal regarding the educational implications of the student's medical needs. Tutoring will not begin without the appropriate documentation and administrative consent.

If the student receives special education services at school, the Administrator of Special Education is to be notified and involved with any decisions pertaining to the student's educational arrangements. The student's Special Education Liaison will coordinate delivery of services.