Attendance and punctuality are vitally important. There is a high correlation between school achievement and
attendance. Excessive absences and/or tardiness are detrimental to a child’s success in school. The statutes of the
Commonwealth of Massachusetts are very clear on the responsibilities of parents regarding regular school attendance.
Over the course of the year, students are expected to be present and on time at least 95% of the days school is in
session.
If attendance and/or tardiness is excessive, you will be contacted by either the guidance counselor and/or your building
principal to set up a conference to discuss the effect this is having on your child’s education and to develop a plan for
improvement. In the event that the absence/tardiness does not improve, further action may be necessary.
When children are absent from school for the purpose of family vacations, their learning is interrupted
and their progress may be affected. Therefore, we strongly encourage families to plan vacations during the
regular school vacation schedule. It is our policy not to give homework or in-class assignments for
students who are on family vacations when school is in session. Work missed during such absences must
be made up within a week after a child returns to school. This may require missing recess, staying after
school to complete assignment or finishing work at home in addition to the regularly assigned homework.
Note: If a child is absent, he or she can not participate in after-school or evening events on the day(s) on
which he or she is absent.
In addition to the law on school attendance, we share your concerns relative to your child's safe arrival at school. In
order to ensure that your child has arrived at school safely or that he/she has a legitimate reason for being absent, we
ask your cooperation in following the procedures outlined below:
1. Parents or guardians should contact the school by phone to notify them of any absence at any time up to 8:30
of the morning of the absence. Schools are equipped with Voice Mail for such purposes.
2. If children are unaccounted for, the school will make every attempt to contact a family member or the person
designated on the emergency form.
3. In all cases relative to absence, a note of explanation from the parent or guardian should be sent in on the first
day of attendance following an absence if you have not contacted the office prior to your child’s return to school.
4. If a child is to be absent for a period longer than was originally discussed with the school authorities, a second
phone call from the parent or guardian should be made to the school as soon as possible.
Notes for Tardy, Absence, or Dismissal
When is a note needed from a doctor?
1. If a child has been absent due to illness for five or more consecutive days, a doctor’s note is required.
When is a note needed from a parent or guardian?
1. To indicate a child is going home other than his/her usual way.
2. For dismissal during school day.
3. If someone other than parent is picking up child.
4. For any activity after school.
5. To excuse a child for being tardy (or parent accompanies child to office).
PLEASE SIGN AND DATE ALL NOTES.
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