Any attendance issues, leave a voice mail at x1191
To speak directly with Nancy Cole, Attendance Clerk call x2677
Page 6-7 of Student Handbook
Since this school is committed to vocational certification and placement upon graduation, as well as to the granting of a high school diploma, students should be aware of the impact that absenteeism will have on this ultimate goal.
Absence from school is the individual responsibility of the student and his/her parent or guardian as defined by the provisions of the General Laws of the Commonwealth, Chapter 76, Section 1- 4. State law considers absences in excess of seven (7) days in a six-month period to be excessive.
Parents or guardians are required to call the Attendance Clerk (ext. 2677 or 0) by 9:00 a.m. on the morning of any absence. Students not in attendance by 12:00 p.m. (noontime) on any day may not participate in any school-sponsored activity or function on that day.
A student who enrolls in a course is expected to be present each time class is in session. Absences are defined in the following manner: Massachusetts law requires compulsory attendance for all students. Chapter 76, section 1 of the Massachusetts General laws requires all children between the ages of six and sixteen to attend school. The law permits a school district to excuse up to seven day sessions or fourteen partial day session in any six month period.
Consistent attendance is necessary for successful attainment of a high school diploma and technical certificates.
Students may lose credit for any classes, academic and vocational, if they have accrued twelve (12) or more unexcused absences during the school year.
- After five (5) unexcused absences, a warning letter will be sent home and a Connect-Ed phone call will be made.
- After ten (10) unexcused absences, a second warning letter is sent home, a Connect-Ed phone call will be made, informing parents/guardians with information regarding the appeals process.
- After twelve (12) unexcused absences, an automatic appeals process will take place unless extenuating circumstances apply.
Appeals Process
If a student is absent from any class or shop for more than twelve (12) unexcused days for the entire school year, school officials will take one or more of the following actions:
- Scheduling and holding a parent conference with the guidance counselor to discuss the school’s attendance policy and to develop a proactive attendance plan.
- Scheduling and holding an attendance meeting with the parents, administrator and School Truancy Officer.
- Possible loss of credit and/or retention in the current grade.
- Students wishing to appeal a loss of credit for the year must submit a written petition to the Administration.
Excused Absences (must be documented and/or verified)
- Bereavement/Death of family member
- Doctor/Dentist appointment
- Hospitalization
- Documented illness
- Religious Holiday
- Legal/Court matter
- Parental call-in with a note handed in
- Military Service
- Approved Field Trips
- College Visitations which have received prior approval from guidance and are supported by verification on the appropriate form
- Registry of Motor Vehicles appointment
Unexcused Absences
- Truancy - Absence without call from parent/guardian and a follow-up note
- Out-of-School suspension
- Extended family vacation (unless pre-approved by the Superintendent)