Student Attendance

(full attendance can be found on our online Student Handbook under the page “Attendance Policy and Rules”)

Attendance:

• Students will be deemed excessively absent at 17.5 school days regardless of reason. 

• The ONLY excused absences as defined by state code:

  • Religious observance as defined by law (N.J.A.C. 6A:32-8.3(h));

  • A college visit (up to 3 days per school year, only for students in grades 11 and 12);

  • “Take Our Children to Work Day” (pursuant to the memo issued by the Commissioner to all districts on April 25, 2017) or other rule issued by the Commissioner;

  • Participation in observance of Veterans Day (N.J.S.A. 18A:36-13.2) or district board of election membership activities (N.J.S.A. 18A: 36-33);

• Notes written by parents of students who are ill, still count towards their total number of absences, as well as doctor's notes.  In addition, dismissals from the Nurse's office are still counted toward the total number of absences.  

• Once a student reaches a total of 10 days absent regardless of reason, they will meet with administration to complete an “Attendance Success Plan” outlining the consequences of exceeding the acceptable limit and goals to set to help students be successful.  Parents will be notified.  

• At a total of 18 absences regardless of reason students will be denied access to extra/co-curricular activities, in addition to credit denial/grade retention.  In addition students who are deemed excessively tardy with 20 lateness or more to school will receive the same consequences as described for excessively absent.  Students in violation of 18 days absent and/or 20 lateness lateness will be placed on the PERMANENT RESTRICTED LIST for extra/co-curricular activities and will NOT be able to participate and attend in any extracurricular events for the remainder of the school year.

Attendance Extra/Co-Curricular Activities:

All students who wish to participate in an extra/co-curricular event/activity MUST be in attendance the day of or preceding the event.  Students are not permitted to be dismissed early the day of the prom.  The only expectation would be for a medical note.  

Students who have been suspended, have been determined to be excessively absent (as described above), and/or excessively tardy will not be permitted to participate in the following activities:

• Any dance - Including Homecoming and Prom.

• Field Trips – Including the Senior Class Trip

• All sports and/or clubs (all extra-curricular activities--this includes practices & games)

Students who attend extra and co-curricular events must be in academic good standing and have no suspensions for one calendar month prior to the extra/co-curricular event.

Truancy Charges: 

• Truancy charges may be filed with the municipal court at 10 absent regardless of reason for all students ages 16 and under according to state law.  

•  If a student reaches day 18, they will be denied credit.

• Please provide doctor’s notes for any medical issues (within 3 days following the absence). 

Lateness:

• Students who are late to school must report to the main office to get a pass. Truancy Charges will be filed with the municipal court at 20 times late to school, for all students ages 16 and under.

• Students will also be placed on the RESTRICTED LIST for lateness in fractions as per Student Code of Conduct 5131R.

  • Every 5th lateness is an administrative detention.  A student will be on the restricted list for 5, 10, and 15 school days, depending on the lateness infraction number.

    • 5x late=Detention Only

    • 10x late=5 days on restricted list

    • 15x late=10 days on restricted list

    • 20x late=PERMANENT RESTRICTED LIST and possible grade retention/credit denial.

Documentation for Student Attendance

If your student is going to be absent, late, or needs to leave early from school a handwritten note must be submitted to the main office or an email must be sent to pmhsattendance@pv-eagles.org

NO EXCEPTIONS.  PHONE CALLS ARE NOT ACCEPTABLE FOR EARLY DISMISSALS!.

Attendance Extra/Co-Curricular Activities:

All students who wish to participate in an extra/co-curricular event/activity MUST be in attendance the day of or preceding the event.  Students are not permitted to be dismissed early the day of the prom.

Students who have been suspended, have been determined to be excessively absent, or excessively tardy will not be permitted to participate in the following activities:

• Any dance - Including Homecoming and Prom.

• Field Trips- Including the Senior Class Trip 

• All sports and/or clubs (all extra-curricular activities) 

Students who attend extra and co-curricular events must be in academic good standing and have no suspensions for one calendar month prior to the extra/co-curricular event.

LUNCH

• All students are to report to lunch on time.  

• Attendance will be taken each lunch period. 

• Cutting lunch and/or leaving school grounds will result in a discipline referral. 

• Students are not allowed to go to their cars during the school time, unless they have permission from the main office.