In order for your child to make the most progress in school, it is important for them to attend school every day. In addition, every child between the ages of 6 and 16 is required by state law to be present during the hours when school is in session. Absences are permitted only for the following reasons: illness, death in the family, quarantine, approved religious holidays, and exceptional reasons that affect the individual child.
Upon returning to school after an absence, a signed note is required. In the case of illness, only an official doctor’s note for the student’s absence would be marked as “excused.” In the case of bereavement or religious holiday, a note signed by the parent for the student’s absence would be marked as “excused” as well. Although a parental note is required in all other cases, absences in other cases would be marked as “unexcused.”
Out of concern for your child’s educational progress, the administration intends to take whatever measures are necessary to ensure that students attend school. We are required to notify parents in writing when a child has been absent 4, 8, 10, or 12 days. When a student has 4 or more unexcused absences, such action shall consist initially of a conference with the student and/or parent. If the situation is not resolved, there will be a required parent conference with the principal and/or the Superintendent, at which time, depending on the circumstances, the Administration will determine the course of action to pursue. Such actions might be a Child Study Team referral, parental meeting with the Board of Education, and/or signed complaint against the parent with the police (potential court appearance).
Please note that vacations during the school year are considered unexcused absences. The Administration realizes that parental work schedules sometimes necessitate taking a child out of school for extended vacations; however, the school neither advises nor condones this practice. Extended gaps in schooling interrupt learning and have a definite negative effect on student's grades. In instances where extended vacation situations are unavoidable, students and their parents are responsible for obtaining and completing all make-up work upon return to school. The amount of time considered appropriate to complete all make-up work will be determined by the classroom teacher and building principal.
Parents are to accompany students who arrive late to the front office with a written explanation from the parent. Attendance support meeting with parents/guardians and/or disciplinary action may be taken for repeated lateness.
The school day officially begins at 8:30 a.m. Students at Mansion Avenue School are expected to report to school by 8:30 a.m. The late bell rings at 8:35 a.m. Students should not prior to this time.