JH: STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES

Regular and punctual school attendance is essential for success in school. The Committee does recognize that parents 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.

Therefore, students may be excused temporarily from school atten­dance for the following reasons:

1. Illness or quarantine.

2. Bereavement or serious illness in family.

3. Weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the child.

4. Observance of major religious holidays.

A child may also be excused for other exceptional reasons with ap­proval of the school administrator.

A student's understanding of the importance of day-to-day schoolwork is an important factor in the shaping of his character. Par­ents can help their children by refusing to allow them to miss school needlessly.

Accordingly, parents will provide a written explanation 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 absence reportedly due to ill­ness, the school administration may request a physician's statement certifying such absences to be justifiable.

SOURCE: MASC

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

Adopted on: April 10, 2008