Attendance Policy

Student attendance in class is essential for successful academic performance to take place.  It is important that students be punctual and attends school except when absence is unavoidable due to illness or an emergency.

Parent/guardian must either visit or call the school attendance line at 978-365-4208 ext.1103 prior to 9:00 AM to indicate the reason for the absence, or tardiness.  Habitual tardiness will necessitate a parent/guardian conference. The administration reserves the right to accept a reason for absence/tardy as excused or unexcused.

Attendance is taken and recorded each period by classroom teacher.

Students are expected to attend school every day. Absences for all or part of a school day may be excused only if they meet one of the following specific criteria:

1. Observance of religious holidays needs parent verification in the Main Office.
2. Educational trips & family vacations, which have been approved in advance by the administration.  Students are responsible for all work missed during the days of absence.  Assignments are due the day the student returns..
3. Health care: Absences for a portion of the school day for medical or dental appointments, which cannot be arranged after school hours.  A statement from the doctor or dentist’s office to verify the appointment is required provided assignments are previously given.
4. Illness (physician’s verification may be required). Students who are absent for five (5) consecutive days because of an illness must submit a doctor’s note immediately upon their return to school. 
5. College/school visitations, college fairs, and college presentations (in house), which have been approved in advance by the administration.  A maximum of three (3) absences is allowed to students during their senior year.
6. Court appearance: need court verification filed with the Main Office and a copy to the Assistant Principal.
7. Death in family or family emergency
8. Scheduled family events require prior notification from parent/guardian to the administration.

Students are considered officially absent if they arrive after 10:30 AM or are dismissed before noon, unless excused by the administration.

Students absent or dismissed from school will not be allowed to participate in or attend any school activity or athletic contest held on that day, evening, or weekend unless prior approval for the absence or dismissal has been given by the school administration.

A student who accumulates ten (10) unexcused absences from a ten- (10) credit course will receive no credit for that course. Parent/guardian will be notified when a student has five (5) absences and a parent/guardian conference will be scheduled to review the situation.

Administration reserves the right to request physician’s verification of illness in the case excessive absences, and in absence of such provision of verification may lose credit.
Upon extenuating circumstances a note must be brought in upon return to school within 24 hours. The administration reserves the right to accept a reason for any absence as excused or unexcused.

A student who accumulates five (5) unexcused absences from a five- (5) credit course will receive NO credit for that course. Parent/guardian will be notified when a student has three (3) absences and a conference will be scheduled to review the situation. 
A parent/guardian may appeal to the Attendance Committee if extenuating circumstances exist.  It will be the parents/guardian responsibility to furnish the appropriate documentation to justify consideration for exemption.

This committee, appointed annually by the principal, will consist of the assistant principal, one guidance counselor, the school nurse, one faculty member and one student. A majority vote of this committee will determine if an absence is excused.