Student Attendance Policy – General
Students are expected to be in attendance on all days and hours that school is in session. Absence from school restricts and inhibits the student’s ability to complete the prescribed curriculum requirements. It also violates New Jersey State Law, which requires students to attend school regularly. The law states:
Every parent, guardian or other person having custody and control of a child
between the ages of six (6) and sixteen (16) years shall cause such child
regularly to attend the public schools for children of similar grades and
attainments or to receive instruction elsewhere than at school (18A: 38-25).
In accordance with the provisions of N.J.A.C. 6A:16-7.6, a student’s absence from school will be excused or unexcused (that counts toward truancy). The Board of Education neither condones nor permits absences from school for any reason not specified in the law, and course credit will not be issued if the student attendance requirement is not met. This may affect eligibility for graduation. (See also Absences.)
The Board of Education requires that students be in attendance for the full school day in order to benefit from the instructional program. That requirement will be waived only when compelling circumstances require that a student be late to school or dismissed from school before the end of the school day.
Late arrivals and early dismissals may be excused for good cause upon prior written request from the student’s parent or legal guardian. Good cause may include medical and dental appointments that cannot be scheduled outside the school day, medical disability, a motor vehicle driver’s test, interviews for college entrance or employment, and court appearances. (See also Lateness.)
