KEARNY BOARD OF EDUCATION                        File Code:   5113.2

Kearny , New Jersey    07032

Policy

                                                             ATTENDANCE

Frequent absences of pupils from regular classroom learning experiences disrupt the continuity of the instructional process.  The benefit of regular classroom instruction is lost and cannot be entirely regained, even by extra after-school instruction.  Consequently, many pupils who miss school frequently experience great difficulty in achieving the maximum benefits of schooling.  Indeed, many pupils in these circumstances are able to achieve only mediocre success in their academic programs.  The school cannot teach pupils who are not present.  The entire process of education requires a regular continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning experiences, and study in order to reach the goal of maximum educational benefits for each child.  The regular contact of the pupils with one another in the classroom and their participation in well-planned instructional activity under the tutelage of a competent teacher are vital to this purpose.  This is the well-established principle of education which underlies and gives purpose to the requirement of compulsory school in this and every other state in the nation.

 

Therefore, it is the opinion of the State of New Jersey and the Kearny Board of Education that consistent daily school attendance is necessary for the successful completion of course work.  Consequently, on January 7, 1988 the Kearny Board of Education, in recognizing the need to uniformly enforce compulsory attendance, adopted a new high school attendance policy. 

(NJAC 6:8-4.2(d)1)

 

 

 

 

 

Attendance                                                 -2-                                           5113.2

 

 

I.       STUDENTS’ ABSENCES

 

When a student reaches eight (8) absences for a one-half year (semester course) or fifteen (15) for a year-long course, he/she shall receive no credit.

 

It is the intention of this policy that the stated number of absences will provide for normal illnesses.  The students who are absent for other than illness will not be able to claim relief on the basis that they did not expect to become ill after using the absences for other purposes.  Field trips, suspensions, school related activities, and all absences for religious holidays, as approved by the Commissioner of Education, are exempt and will not be counted as absences for the purpose of this policy.  Special provisions may be made for certified hospital stays or other illnesses requiring long recuperative time periods, (defined as five (5) or more consecutive school days) with a doctor’s note.  ALL CHRONIC MEDICAL CONDITIONS WHICH MAY REQUIRE SPECIAL APPLICATION OF POLICY REGULATIONS MUST BE CONFIRMED IN WRITING BY A PHYSICIAN AND SUBMITTED TO THE MEDICAL SUITE AT THE BEGINNING OF THE SCHOOL YEAR OR IMMEDIATELY AT THE ONSET OF THE ILLNESS.  The doctor’s note must be reviewed by the high school principal before it is approved.

 

II.      EXTENDED ABSENCES

 

On occasion, it may be educationally valuable for students to be absent from school for special reasons.  Permission for up to, and including, five (5) days may be granted if a written request for such absence is submitted to, and approved by, the principal PRIOR to the requested absence.

 

III.    CUTTING CLASS

 

Students who are absent from class without being listed on the official absentee list are considered to be cutting.  CUTTING CLASS IS A SERIOUS OFFENSE AND APPROPRIATE ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.  When a student reaches two (2) cuts in a one-half year (semester) course or a total of three (3) cuts in a full year course, he/she shall receive no credit for said course.  Students who are truant (absent from school without authorization) shall have cuts recorded in each class missed that day.

 

IV.     LATENESS TO CLASS

 

Two (2) unexcused latenesses to class will be considered one cut for that class period.  Students arriving late to class (after the first twenty minutes of a period) with an unacceptable excuse will be regarded as having cut the class period.

 

Attendance                                                 -3-                                           5113.2

 

 

V.      EXCESSIVE ABSENCES AND CUTS COMBINED

 

If a student reaches a combination of eight (8) absences and cuts, for a one-half semester course or a combination of fifteen (15) absences and cuts for a full year course, he/she shall receive no credit in said course. *See XI.

 

VI.       TRANSFER STUDENTS (MAXIMUM NUMBER OF ABSENCES PRORATED)

 

Commencing with the 1993-94 school year, transfer students who enter Kearny High School after the months of September or February will have the maximum number of absences prorated as one and one-half (1-1/2) absences per month.

 

VII.   CLASS MAKE-UP ASSIGNMENTS

 

In the case of all student absences, students must be held responsible for making up missed school assignments.  Teachers are expected to give reasonable assistance to students in this process.

 

VIII.  APPEAL PROCEDURES

 

Appeals to any portion of this policy may be initiated by students or their parents or guardians. 

 

A.        The first level of appeal must be made in person to the vice principal in charge of attendance within seven (7) calendar days from the date of the notification that the attendance policy was activated. 

 

B.        The second level of appeal must be made in person to the principal within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of vice principal’s decision. 

 

C.        The third level of appeal must be made in writing to the superintendent within seven (7) calendar days of receipt of principal’s decision.

 

D.        The final level of local appeal must be made in writing to the Board of Education within seven (7) days of receipt of the superintendent’s decision.

 

 

NOTE:   The levels of the appeal procedures as outlined above must be strictly adhered to.