Attendance Policy
Summary
In response to the new state legislation last year, the Coxsackie-Athens Central School District, like other districts across New York State, revised its attendance policy for students K-12. During a yearly review of this policy, several modifications were made, particularly in the benchmark number of days absent ( either excused or unexcused) for which parents will receive official school notification. In addition, at the high school level, absence information will appear on the interim reports and report cards. Parents should carefully note these sections. However, the majority of the policy remains unchanged, including the fact that course credit is no longer denied on the basis of attendance alone. The new policy emphasizes the need for good attendance and class participation, two factors which obviously contribute to academic achievement. The policy will be discussed with students during the first week of school and is included in student hand books. Full copies of the policy text are available from any school office or from our website link below.
Excused Absences or Tardiness. Excused absences must be documented in writing upon the child's return to school. When possible, parents should contact the school in writing or by telephone prior to the absence. Students have the obligation to make up all missed work. Excused absences include personal illness, death in family, medical appointments (that cannot be scheduled outside of school hours), court appearances/legal obligations, religious observances, quarantine, approved educational program, approved cooperative work program, military obligation, pre-approved college visits for high school juniors and seniors, and other absences that may be excused at the discretion of the Superintendent/designee.
Unexcused Absence or Tardiness. An absence for any reason not included above or for any of the above absences that are not pre-approved by the district or for which the student does not provide an appropriate note or documentation upon return to school is considered an unexcused absence. Family trips or vacations during school time, haircuts, shopping, or an absence without a specific reason are also considered unexcused absences, as are "oversleeping" or "car trouble." Students have an obligation to make up all work missed. Where possible, work will be given in advance, if requested.
Truancy. Absence for any reason whereby the parent believes the child to be in attendance at school is considered truant. Make-up work will not be offered. Furthermore, a student must report to the office or to the nurse and must receive parental permission before leaving the school.
Penalties for Poor Attendance. Chronic absences and tardiness, either excused or unexcused, will not be tolerated. Make up work will be expected for excused and unexcused absences; it will not be offered for truancy. Excessive absences and tardiness will be addressed in the following manner:
Elementary School
12 days absent or tardy- letter to parents
20 days absent or tardy- letter to parents; attendance officer may be called to visit home.
25 days absent or tardy- letter to parents advising that PINS (Person in Need of Supervision) petition may be filed or other intervention at the discretion of the building principal may be sought.
Middle School
12 days absent- letter to parents
20 days absent- letter to parents; attendance officer may be called to visit home; student may be banned from participating in any school-sponsored activity requiring them to miss classes
25 days absent- letter to parents advising district will file PINS petition or seek other intervention at the discretion of the
building principal5 unexcused tardies =1 administrative detention; notice sent to parents
For each instance of truancy, a student will be assigned to the Alternate Learning Site and receive a "zero" for the time truant; notice sent to parents
High School
Notification of attendance will made in 5 week intervals through the interim progress reports and quarterly report cards. (This is a significant change from 2002-2003; parents should look at the attendance information on report cards carefully.) At each interval, the building principal will review the number of absences. Excessive absences will cause the district to file a PINS petition or invoke other intervention services.
5 unexcused tardies = 1 administrative detention; notice sent to parents
3 unexcused tardies to a class = 1 unexcused absence to that class
Any unexcused tardy in excess of twenty minutes constitutes an unexcused absence for that class
For each instance of truancy, a student will be assigned to the Alternate Learning Site and receive a "zero" for the time truant; notice sent to parents
In all cases, the District retains discretion whether or not to file the PINS petition. PINS petitions may be filed earlier than indicated in these guidelines if the situation warrants such action. Chronic illnesses or medical conditions which may affect a student's attendance will also be considered when making these decisions.