Absences from School

Legal Absences

The following conditions make it possible for a student to be legally absent:

• Illness of student.
• Severe storms or impassible roads.
• Death or severe illness in the immediate family. This does not provide for continual absences however.
• Religious observances.
• Required presence in court.
• Approved college visits.
• Military obligations.
• Medical or dental appointments. Whenever possible, medical and dental appointments should be scheduled outside of school time. 

Illegal Absences

The reasons for absence listed below are considered by school authorities to be illegal absences within the meaning of the compulsory education law and will not be accepted.

• Family trips or vacations.
• Employment – including paper routes and baby sitting.
• Shopping.
• Job hunting.
• Truancy from school.
• Hunting, fishing, sports events, concerts, tanning, etc.

Late Arrivals, Early Dismissals & Absences

New York State Education Law requires a written excuse, signed by a parent or guardian, be provided when a student is absent, tardy, or leaving school early. Please send an excuse to school with your child if he/she is tardy or needs to be dismissed early, and on the day your child returns to school after being absent.

Parents/guardians must sign-in/out students arriving late or leaving early.

Attendance Philosophy

There is a positive correlation between regular attendance at school and academic success. The business world demands that employees be at work daily and on time. Excessive absenteeism and/or lateness to work often results in the loss of jobs. Our school has an obligation to expect regular attendance and punctuality from our students in school and class. Students have a responsibility to come to school regularly and to be on time to school and to all their classes. Parents have a responsibility to see that their children meet these requirements.

More Information

• View the District Attendance Implementation Plan