Attendance is a critical factor for student success in schools. Consistent school attendance, improved academic performance and school completion have a positive correlation and will contribute to our efforts to assure that all of our students reach the higher standards established by the Board of Regents. School attendance is both a right and a responsibility in New York State. Parents are responsible and legally obligated to ensure that their children attend school during the ages of compulsory attendance.
Definition of Excused and Unexcused Absences
☑ Excused Absences
A full or part day absence is considered excused for the following reasons:
- personal illness
- family illness that necessitates the student’s absence
- death in the family
- religious observance
- required court appearances
- quarantine
- medical appointment
- road test or initial visit to motor vehicle for a permit
- approved college visits
- military obligations
- approved cooperative work programs
- approved school programs
- (impassable roads) inclement weather
- bus tardiness
- educational family trips (A petition describing the trip and activities that will be completed must receive the approval of the administration prior to the trip.)
- other justifiable reasons that meet with the approval of the principal
☒ Unexcused Absences
Most absences not mentioned as an Excused Absence will be interpreted as unexcused. Examples of unexcused absences include, but are not limited to:
- truancy (parents expect the students to be in school)
- working
- vacation, visiting, away, going out of town, shopping, etc
- needed at home, caring for baby, personal family business, helping at home, etc
- overslept, ride was late, missed ride, ride did not show, etc
- appointment, other than medical, legal, or administratively approved
- hunting, fishing, skiing, or other recreational interests
- non-educational trips
- only has study halls
- routine probation appointments that can be done after school hours
- it is my fault, not my child’s
- any other absence not related to illness or an emergency situation
The school district is free to act upon valid and legally competent evidence (not hearsay statements) to substantiate acts of misconduct, even if it is controverted by the parent(s). It is up to the school district to determine the credibility of the competing versions of the facts.
For more information about attendance, including tardiness, early departure, course credit, intervention strategies and more, consult your Code of Conduct, Attendance Policy & Student Handbook.
About Us Links
- After School & Summer Programs
- Capital Improvement & Energy Performance Projects
- Dignity for All Students & Report an Incident
- Employment
- Meet our School Resource Officers
- Meet our Therapy Dogs
- Our Mission, Vision & Shared Beliefs
- Plans, Policies & Required Notifications
- School-to-Home Communication
- Snackpack Program
- Student Registration
Report a Child’s Absence, Tardiness or Early Departure
Download and print an Attendance Request Form.
Select ☑ Absence to report your child being absent.
Select ☑ Tardiness to report your child arriving late to school.
Select ☑ Early Departure to report your child leaving school early.