Embedded Files
Please call the school before the start of the school day to report your child’s absence and the reason for the absence.
Please call the school before the start of the school day to report your child’s absence and the reason for the absence.
Our schools are better when all our students are here! Regular attendance is a key to student success. Absences, tardiness, and early dismissals disrupt learning. If your child is facing medical issues or other challenges, please reach out to the school nurse for support and assistance.
Our schools are better when all our students are here! Regular attendance is a key to student success. Absences, tardiness, and early dismissals disrupt learning. If your child is facing medical issues or other challenges, please reach out to the school nurse for support and assistance.
Below is a summary of key parts of Board Policy #5113 Student Attendance. Please refer to the full policy for details.
The Glastonbury High School and Smith Middle School handbooks also include attendance and absence information specific to those schools.
State law requires all parents/guardians of children between the ages of seven and sixteen to cause their children to attend school regularly (CT General Statute 10-184). A student should not be absent from school without a parent’s consent. We expect that parents will only allow their children to be absent from school for health or other extenuating circumstances.
Excused and Unexcused Absences
Excused and Unexcused Absences
A student’s absence from school shall be considered “excused” if written documentation of the reason for such absence has been submitted within ten (10) school days of the student’s return to school and meets the following criteria:
a) For absences one through nine, a student’s absences from school are considered “excused” when the student’s parent/guardian approves such absence and submits appropriate documentation to school officials.
b) For the tenth absence and all absences thereafter, a student’s absences from school are considered excused for the following reasons:
Student illness (must be verified by a licensed medical professional to be deemed excused, regardless of the length of the absence)
Student’s observance of a religious holiday
Death in the student’s family or other emergency beyond the control of the student’s family;
Mandated court appearances (documentation required)
The lack of transportation that is normally provided by a district other than the one the student attends (no parental documentation required)
Extraordinary educational opportunities pre-approved by District administration and following Connecticut State Department of Education guidance
When parents/guardians have not contacted the school, the school will attempt to contact the parents of all children absent from school on a given day. The school is responsible for verifying whether an absence is “excused” or “unexcused.” Parents/guardians or others with legal responsibility for the child may appeal that decision to the superintendent/designee.
Tardiness
Tardiness
Students are expected to arrive at school and class on time. Tardiness to class or school is a disruption to the learning environment. Students arriving after the school start time are considered tardy and are expected to present a signed parental/guardian note explaining the lateness. Acceptable reasons for tardiness include medical, religious, or legal commitments.
Vacations When School Is in Session
Vacations When School Is in Session
Families are discouraged from taking students on vacation when school is in session. Such absences are disruptive to schooling and should be avoided. Making up the work missed is not the same as participating in the classes where instruction is given. If such an absence is unavoidable, families should communicate with the principal, and the student is responsible for completing missed work within a reasonable time. In some cases, teachers may be able to give some assignments in advance of an absence of this kind. If this is done, we expect these assignments will be completed when the child returns.
Mental Health Days
Mental Health Days
Students enrolled in grades K-12 are permitted two mental health days during the school year. These days provide students time to attend to their emotional and psychological well-being in place of attending school. The student shall not be required to present documentation or parental/guardian consent. The absence shall be identified as a “mental health wellness day.” A student cannot take two consecutive mental health wellness days.
Truancy
Truancy
State law requires school districts and schools to have specific policies and procedures regarding students who are truant. A truant is defined as a student aged five to eighteen, inclusive, who has 4 unexcused absences from school in one month (30 consecutive calendar days) or 10 unexcused absences in one school year. Please see Board Policy #5113.2 Truancy/Chronic Absenteeism for more information.
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