Attendance Policy 5200

"Attendance" is a student’s presence in school and in the classroom to which he or she is assigned at the times scheduled for instruction or other school activities.

An “excused absence” is a student’s absence from school for a full day or a portion of a day for the observance of a religious holiday pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:36-14 through 16, or for other reasons as approved by the Commissioner of Education.

An"unexcused absence that counts toward truancy" is a student’s absence from school for a full day or a portion of a school day for any reason other than those defined as an excused absence. For cumulative unexcused absences of 10 or more, the student between the ages of six and 16 is truant, pursuant to law.

Section: 18A:38-27: Truancy and juvenile delinquency defined

Any child between the ages of six and 16 years who shall repeatedly be absent from school, and any child of such age found away from school during school hours whose parent, guardian or other person having charge and control of the child is unable to cause him to attend school and any pupil who is incorrigible, actually vagrant, vicious, or immoral in conduct, shall be deemed to be a juvenile delinquent and shall be proceeded against as such.

Notice to School of a Student’s Absence

 A parent/guardian is requested to notify the school before 8 a.m. at the middle school level.

Readmission to School after an Absence

 A student returning from an absence of any length must present a written statement, dated and signed by the parent/guardian, including the dates and reasons for the absence.

A student who has been absent by reason of having or being suspected of having a communicable disease must be readmitted by the school nurse, who must be provided with written evidence of being free of communicable disease, in accordance with board policy 8451- Control of Communicable Disease.