Comprehensive Attendance Policy

School Attendance Procedures 

The administration, faculty, and staff at Cazenovia High School recognize their obligation to provide educational opportunities for every student in a positive and safe learning environment. Along with the school’s commitment, however, is an accompanying obligation for each student to accept responsibility for their education and strive to attain their potential. The high school attendance system includes important roles for students, parents/guardians, teachers, and administrators. The following guide has been established in conjunction with regulations set forth by the New York State Department of Education. 

Excused Absences, Tardy Arrival, and Early Dismissal, as defined by Cazenovia High School Policy: 

• Sickness 

• Sickness/death in the family 

• Required court appearances 

• Scheduled appointments with physicians, health clinics, and/or related agencies with doctor’s note 

• Religious observance 

• Approved internship/work program 

• Approved school-related activity

• Counselor-endorsed college visit with college confirmation. 

• Approved job-shadowing opportunities 

• Appointment at DMV for permit and road test. 

A. Responsibilities of Parents/Guardians 

Within three (3) school days of the student’s return to school following an absence or tardy arrival, the parent/guardian should provide the school with a written excuse containing the student’s full given name, grade level, the reason for the absence or tardy, the exact date of the absence(s) or tardy, and parent/guardian signature. An email is acceptable. 

The following is a list of acceptable written excuses for each cause of absence or tardy: 

Cause of Absence or Tardy Arrival Acceptable Written Excuse

Sickness Note from parent/guardian

Sickness/death in family Note from parent/guardian

Required court appearance Note from parent/guardian

Scheduled health appointment Note from parent/guardian  or note from a medical professional

Religious observance Note from parent/guardian

Approved internship/work program Note from parent/guardian and teacher or counselor

Approved school-related activity Note from teacher

Counselor-endorsed college visit Verification of attendance from college

Approved job-shadowing opportunities Note from teacher

B. Time Limit for Bringing in Written Excuse for Absence and Tardy Arrival 

Students are expected to bring in written excuses for any absence and tardy arrival within two school days upon returning to school. These excuses should be given to the main office. If no note is received within two school days, a detention will be issued each day until a note has been turned in according to the Cazenovia High School Student Code of Conduct. 

C. Tardy Arrival to School 

• All students must be in their homerooms by 8:05 a.m. 

• Students who arrive in their homeroom after 8:05 a.m. are considered tardy. 

• Students arriving after 8:05 a.m. must sign in at the main office on arrival. 

• Notes for all tardy arrivals must be given to the main office. 

• Failure to sign in immediately at the main office when arriving late to school will result in detentions and/or loss of privileges.

• Students will be given detention on the third and every following unexcused tardy arrival during each marking period. 

• For participation in extracurricular activities students must be in class by 8:15 a.m. 

D. Tardy Arrival to School and Participation in Extracurricular Activities

Acceptable causes of tardiness for students who want to participate in extracurricular activities on the day they are tardy are: 

• Scheduled health appointment (a note from a medical professional is required unless pre-approved by administrator) 

• Required court appearance 

• Religious observance 

• Approved internship/work program 

• Approved school-related activity 

• Counselor-endorsed college visit 

• Approved job-shadowing opportunities 

• Special circumstances (in the event of a special circumstance, parents/guardians must inform the Principal’s office no later than the same day.) 

Students must provide an acceptable written excuse on the day they are tardy to participate in extracurricular activities (e.g., practices, games) on that day. Otherwise, they will not be able to participate in extracurricular activities. 

Students must be present in school for a full day in order to be eligible for participation in sports and extracurricular activities. 

F. Dismissals During the School Day 

A parent requesting a student’s early dismissal from school should provide the child with a written excuse on that day, noting the time and reason for the dismissal. Students should bring excuses to the main office before homeroom. Dismissals during the day, because of illness, must be cleared through the nurse’s office. Students may leave school only after the school nurse’s office or the main office has contacted a parent/guardian. If approved, the student will be given a pass. No student will be dismissed without a parent’s written consent. 

G. Truancy 

Students are expected to attend school on a daily basis. Absence from school/school programs without an excuse and/or prior permission is truant. Offenses will result In-School Detentions. Chronic truancies may be referred to the Madison County Department of Probation for further action.