AFTON CENTRAL SCHOOL

AFTON CENTRAL SCHOOL

STUDENT ATTENDANCE POLICY

Statement of Overall Objectives

School attendance is both a right and a responsibility. The School District is an active partner with students and parents in the task of ensuring that all students meet or exceed the New York State Learning Standards. The School District recognizes that consistent school attendance, academic success and school completion have a positive correlation. Therefore the School District will develop, review and, if necessary, revise a Comprehensive Student Attendance Policy to meet the following objectives:

Part 1:

Policy Objectives

The objectives of the Comprehensive Attendance Policy are:

a. To increase school completion for all students;

b. To raise student achievement and close gaps in student performance;

c. To identify attendance patterns in order to design attendance improvement efforts;

d. To know the whereabouts of every student for safety and other reasons;

e. To verify that individual students are complying with education laws relating to compulsory attendance;

f. To determine the Districtπs average daily attendance for State aid purposes.

Part 2:

Description of Strategies to Meet Objectives

The School District will:

a. Create and maintain a positive school building culture by fostering a positive

physical and psychological environment where the presence of strong adult role models encourages respectful and nurturing interactions between adults and students. This positive school culture is aimed to encourage a high level of student bonding to the school, which in turn should lead to increased attendance.

b. Maintain accurate recordkeeping via a Register of Attendance to record

attendance, absence, tardiness, or early departure of each student.

c. Utilize data analysis systems for tracking individual student attendance and

individual and group trends in student attendance problems.

d. Develop early intervention strategies to improve school attendance for all

students.

e. The school will reach out to students with poor attendance to design individual plans for student success.

Attendance Policy Definitions

Whenever used within the Comprehensive Attendance Policy, the following terms shall mean:

(1) Absent: The student is not present for scheduled instruction after the first ten minutes of class.

(2) CAP: The term Comprehensive Attendance Policy will be abbreviated at CAP

(3) Early Departure: The student leaves prior to the end of the studentπs scheduled instruction.

(4) Excused: Any absence, tardiness, or early departure that meets conditions identified in Part 3,

#1, Code: AE, of the CAP. While excused absences are counted as absences for the studentπs

school record, an EXCUSED absence, for which the pupil has performed any assigned make-up

work, shall not be counted as an absence for the purpose of determining the studentπs eligibility

for course credit under this policy (CAP). There is NO limit to the opportunity to make-up

work for EXCUSED absences (AE).

(5) Scheduled Instruction: Every period that a pupil is scheduled to attend instructional or

supervised study activities during the course of a school day during the school year or summer

school.

(6) Tardy: The student arrives up to ten minutes late for class with a completed pass from a staff

member for scheduled instruction.

(7) Unexcused: Any absence, tardiness or early departure for which the student has no valid

school approved excuse. In essence, the only students who could be denied credit as a result of

the attendance policy will be those who have unexcused absences.

(8) Truancy: Truancy is the act of willfully not attending school or leaving school contrary

to this attendance policy. The commissioner of education has ruled that parental consent to a

studentπs absence does not preclude the school district from taking disciplinary action against

the student for violating the districtπs attendance policy.

Part 3:

Attendance Categories/Codes

(1) Excused

Absence Code: AE

Tardy Code: TE

Absences DO NOT count toward attendance policy. Work must be caught up per guidelines.

Number of allowable make-ups: Zero (0)

Limitations: Not applicable

Notes:

(1) The Superintendent of Schools must approve home instruction.

(2) Such absences, tardiness or early departures must be preceded or immediately followed by

a signed verification from the Doctor/Dentist office, college visited, or court/probation. The note must detail the date and time of the appointment and the studentπs name as a visitor.

(3) Prior to such absences, parents/guardians must contact the Middle/High School Principal to

determine if excused status can be applied.

Part 4:

Attendance and Course Credit

The Board of Education believes that student participation in classroom instruction is an integral part of the learning process. Therefore, to receive credit for courses, students not only must fulfill the necessary academic requirements of each course, but also must comply with the following attendance requirements. No distinction will be made between excused or conditional excused absences in recording total absences. However, a properly excused or conditional excused absence (see Part 3 of the CAP), for which the student has performed any assigned make-up work, shall not be counted as an absence for the purpose of determining the studentπs eligibility for course credit under this policy.

(1) One (1.00) Credit Classes

In order to be eligible to receive the allotted unit of credit, students are not to exceed ten (10) unexcused class absences. Students exceeding ten (10) unexcused absences will be denied course credit. Absences are cumulative throughout the school year. Transfer students will have a prorated attendance expectation based on 95% attendance from the date of transfer to the last day of classes. Excused absences will not count toward the maximum number of permitted absences.

(2) Two (2.00) and Three (3.00) Credit Classes

In order to be eligible to receive the allotted two or three units of credit, students are not to exceed eighteen (18) unexcused class absences. Students exceeding eighteen (18) unexcused absences will be denied course credit. Absences are cumulative throughout the school year. Transfer students will have a prorated attendance expectation based on 95% attendance from the date of transfer to the last day of classes. Excused absences will not count toward the maximum number of permitted absences.

(3) One half (.50) Credit Classes

In order to be eligible to receive the allotted one half unit of credit, students are not to exceed four (4) unexcused class absences. Students exceeding four (4) unexcused absences will be denied course credit. Based on a semester consisting of 90 school days, students must attend 95% of classes per course to receive full credit. Transfer students will have a prorated attendance expectation based on 95% attendance from the date of transfer to the last day of classes. Excused absences will not count toward the maximum number of permitted absences.

(4) Physical Education: Course grade is based entirely on participation.

Transfers:

Students who transfer to Afton Central School will fall under the attendance policy as any other student. Understanding that attendance policies might differ between school districts, the studentπs attendance will not be transferred. Transfer students will be expected to maintain the required 95% attendance rate at Afton Central School.

Likely Scenarios:

Student #6 transfers to Afton Central School with one hundred (100) school days left. To receive credit, student #6 must attend ninety-five (95) classes.

Student #7 transfers to Afton Central School with fifty (50) school days left. To receive credit, student #7 must attend forty-eight (48) classes.

Transfer students will be notified of the attendance policy, and expectation for their attendance per this provision, upon start of enrollment.

BOCES Students:

As per the BOCES VOTEC/GED student contract, students must not exceed eighteen (18) total absences in their full year (180 day) program. There is no differentiation between excused and unexcused absences for students enrolled in the BOCES educational programs. Students exceeding the allowable number of absences will be dropped from their BOCES program and be enrolled in a regular course of study at Afton Central School.

EXCEPTION: If the Committee on Special Education deems it appropriate for a student with an IEP to attend a vocational/educational program at BOCES, the attendance requirement to enroll at BOCES will not be applied. However, the attendance requirement to earn credit will apply.

Parents of a student who has been removed from his/her BOCES educational program has the right to appeal the decision, as outlined in Part 11 of this policy.

Part 5:

Attendance Taking

Attendance Office

The attendance clerk will record all known excused and unexcused absences. The attendance clerkπs entry will take precedence over the teacherπs classroom attendance records.

What does this mean?

Teachers only record students as absent, tardy or present. The attendance clerk, as the single point of communication, will review field trip rosters, office schedules (i.e., student visits, suspension roster, etc.), and update the studentsπ absence categories.

Classroom Attendance:

Teachers will take attendance daily at the beginning of each class on Power School or Power Grade and send it to the attendance officer. The teacher will mark students as Absent, Tardy or Present.
Teachers will review the school attendance list daily to determine if students were truant from class. For example, a student is not on the attendance list (an indication that he or she was present at school) but does not arrive at class.
A notation must be made in the teacherπs record book and a discipline referral must be completed when students are truant (e.g., cut class, absent without notice/pass to teacher).
Students who are absent are expected to make-up all work missed. The classroom teacher will determine the nature of the make-up. Make-up deadlines may be assigned by the teacher (meaning specific dates and times). It is the studentπs responsibility to fulfill all deadlines.

Part 6:

Make-up Policy and Procedures

NOTE: Prior to grading any work made-up due to absence(s), the studentπs absence must be confirmed as excused or unexcused. It is not legal to remove graded work from a studentπs record as a disciplinary consequence. Students who have an unexcused absence (truant, cut class) must receive feedback on the work missed, but work should be left ungraded and zeros entered into the gradebook.

Students with excused absences will be given an opportunity to make up work missed provided arrangements are made when the student returns to school. There will be no academic penalty for excused absences provided that any work missed will be made up.

Students may make up or reduce previous class absences through the following make-up options:

Do subject work with the subject teacher for 40 minutes / 1 hour after school during the teacherπs availability after school hours, OR
Do prearranged subject work in Saturday Attendance School to make up time due to excessive absences, OR

Go to Attendance School.

a. Attendance school will be scheduled for the last four (4) Saturdays

immediately preceding the end of each semester in order to provide the opportunity for students who are able to maintain a passing average in a given course but who fail due to attendance.

Stipulations for make-ups include:

Class make-ups cannot be done during the regular school day.
Make-up assignments are to be completed within one calendar week of the studentπs return to class.
Classes missed due to in school or out-of≠school suspension must be made up through the make-up options.

Students who abuse the make-up policy will be subject to appropriate disciplinary

actions which may include denial of future make-up options.

Part 7:

Consequences

As discussed in greater detail in the Student Code of Conduct, students with unexcused absences or tardiness will be subject to the following disciplinary actions:

After school detentions

Extended Instructional Program (EIP)

Referral to PINS proceedings

Students with an excessive number of absences, Excused or Unexcused, will be referred to the Instructional Support Team (IST). The IST will work with the student, parents, and teachers to develop and implement a plan to improve attendance, academics, etc.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

A. Students must be in attendance for the full day or arrive by 11:00 AM with a legal excuse in order to participate in extra-curricular activities (sports, dance, play rehearsals, field trips, etc.)

B. Students who miss a class during the school day due to an illegal absence cannot participate in after school activities that day, including sports practices and interscholastic competition.

C. Students who leave school because of illness may not return to school later that day to participate in after school activities.

Vacation Policy:

Planned absences for family vacations are illegal absences. Vacationing students

who are at risk of reaching the limit must make up classes prior to vacation. Parents of

students planning vacations should notify the school administration at least one week prior

to the vacation. Vacationing students are responsible for all material and assignments

missed.

Extended Illness:

When a students is absent more than one day, or when a student is diagnosed as

having a potential long term illness, the student or his/her parent should contact the school administration to arrange for the educational needs of the student. An extended illness will be counted as a single day if, upon return to school, the student supplies a doctorπs note that indicates the physician recommended the student remain out of school.

Part 8:

Parental Notice

When students are absent, parents and/or legal guardians will be contacted by either the attendance officer or school nurse.

Policy Notice

Parents and/or legal guardians will be mailed a notice from the school (verified by the teacher) indicating absences that have not been made up at the following intervals:

Two (2.00) and Three (3.00) Credit Classes:

Number of Unexcused Absences Notice

5, 10, 15 Notices will include the cumulative number of

absences for the course and number of unexcused

absences, jeopardizing the receipt of course credit.

18 Notice will be made indicating denial of course credit.

One (1.00) Credit Classes:

Number of Unexcused Absences Notice

4, 6, 8 Notices will include the cumulative number of

absences for the course and number of unexcused

absences, jeopardizing the receipt of course credit.

10 Notice will be made indicating denial of course credit.

One-Half (0.50) Credit Classes:

Number of Unexcused Absences Notice

2, 3 Notices will include the cumulative number of

absences for the course and number of unexcused

absences, jeopardizing the receipt of course credit.

4 Notice will be made indicating denial of course credit.

REFERRALS:

Counseling:

The Guidance Office shall handle all referrals to counseling.

PINS Petitions:

The district may file a PINS (Person In Need of Supervising) petition in Family Court on any student under the age of 18 who demonstrates that he or she requires supervision and treatment by:

Being habitually truant by not attending school as required by part one of Article 65 of the Education Law.

Child Protective Services:

If students of mandatory school age have continued absences/tardies, a call will be made to CPS for educational neglect may warranted.

Part 9:

Intervention Strategies

Classroom teachers

Classroom teachers are the first means of intervention for students with attendance problems. Consistent, timely, and personal communication to parents should be made in addition to Special Reports to Parents that are mailed.

Academics, behavior, etc. will be discussed with the students and their parents. A plan will be developed and implemented by members assigned to the student to improve attendance, academic achievement, etc. Upon reaching the last level of parent notification, prior to the loss of credit notice, students will be automatically referred to the Instructional Support Team.

Attendance Clerk

Will coordinate the sharing of attendance information to teachers, school counselors and middle/high school principal

School Counselors

Will meet with students having risk factors associated with attendance (e.g., potential of denial of credit). Parent/guardian contact will be required.

Middle/High School Principal

Will coordinate weekly attendance review meetings with the Instructional Support Team.

Instructional Support Team

Will review recommendations regarding studentsπ attendance and recommend interventions

and incentives.

Part 10:

Denial of Credit

When a student is denied credit due to attendance (as defined in this policy):

1. A grade of N (No Credit) will entered for the course and will appear on both the report

card and the official school transcript.

2. The student is expected to continue in the course, as continuity of learning is stressed

and it is not appropriate to remove students from class as a result of attendance.

3. Students who are denied credit must continue with the class (academically and

attendance) to be eligible to attend summer school. Students with less than a 50%

grade point average for the course are ineligible to repeat the course in summer school.

Students with less than 85% attendance OR four or more UNEXCUSED absences are

ineligible to repeat the course in summer school. These restrictions are on a class-by-

class basis.

4. If a student becomes a disruption (per the Student Code of Conduct), then appropriate

disciplinary responses will occur. If the disruption is persistent or volatile, then the

student will be removed from class per Project Save requirements. Students may be

permanently removed per a Superintendentπs Hearing. Students who are removed

from class will be ineligible to repeat the course in summer school.

Part 11:

Appeal of Denial of Credit

When to appeal?

Prior to the denial of credit, parents/guardians may appeal absences deemed as unexcused. and
Any parent or guardian of a student who has been denied credit as a result of this Comprehensive Attendance Policy has the right to appeal such a decision. The appeals process is as follows:

a. Notice of Appeal: A written letter requesting an appeal of the decision to deny credit

must be received in the Middle/High School Principalπs office within five days of

receipt of the notice of the denial of credit. Notices will be either personally

delivered by a school employee or sent by registered mail.

The letter must include, in addition to the studentπs name, the specific dates of

absence that are in question and mitigating circumstances that exist leading to the

appeal.

b. Conference: A conference will be held within five days of receipt of the

appeals letter with the Middle/High School Principal and the Attendance Committee.

The parent/guardian and student may provide information related to the attendance

record and denial of credit to the committee.

c. Building Decision: A decision will be made by the committee to either uphold the

original decision to deny credit or grant a conditional exception based on mitigating

circumstances provided.

d. Appeal to the Superintendent: If the decision at the building level is to maintain the

denial of credit, then the parent/guardian may appeal the decision to the

Superintendent of Schools. Such an appeal must be made within three days of receipt

of the building level decision. The appeal must be in writing.

e. Appeal to Board of Education: If the Superintendent upholds the Building level

decision, then an appeal can be made to the Board of Education. Such an appeal must

be made within three days of receipt of the Superintendentπs decision.

f. Appeal to the Commissioner: Parents/guardians have the right to appeal decisions

made by local districts to the Commissioner of Education. To conduct such an appeal,

the parent/guardian must contact the New York State Department of Education

located in Albany, New York.

Draft #4, 8/28/06