File: JH - STUDENT ABSENCES AND EXCUSES

Statement of Purpose

According to Chapter 76, Section1, of Massachusetts General Law, students are expected to attend class every day that school is in session.  Billerica Public Schools believes that regular and punctual school attendance provides as essential foundation for educational progress and assists students in developing habits necessary for success in college and career.  Students who are absent miss critical classroom instruction, opportunities for social interaction with teachers and peers, and clarification of assignments.  Extended absences impair academic progress and undermine student grades.  The goal of the Attendance Policy is to ensure that each student keeps his/her absences to a minimum so that he/she can take full advantage of the educational program and actively participate in the school community.

Attendance Policy

If a student is going to be absent from school, parents must call the school prior to school starting or within 30 minutes after school starts.  If a phone call is not received within 30 minutes of the start of school, the school department will call the household, informing the parent of the student absence.  In order for absences to be considered excused, proper documentation must be provided.

If a student has 5 or more unexcused absences, the school principal, or a designee, will make a reasonable effort to meet with the parent or guardian of the student to develop action steps for student attendance.  The action steps shall be developed jointly and agreed upon by the school principal or a designee, the student and the student´s parent or guardian and with input from other relevant school personnel and officials from relevant public safety, health and human service, housing and nonprofit agencies.

SOURCE:  BILLERICA

LEGAL REFS.:  M.G.L. 76:1; 76:16; 76:20;

CROSS REF.:  STUDENT HANDBOOKS