Hawthorne School Parent-Student Handbook 2016-2017
ABSENCES *
Students are expected to attend school for 180 days of the school year . If your child will be absent from school , please call the school nurse at ( 201 ) 833-5543 by 8:15 a . m . Students are required to attend school every day , unless the absence is excused . Excessive absence may result in your child having to repeat the school year . An ― excused ‖ absence is an absence for personal illness , death in the immediate family , observation of a religious holiday , for a courtordered appearance , personal illness of five or more days , suspension in or out-of-school , authorized school field trips and events , and as set forth in a student ' s IEP or Section 504 plan , or individual health care plan . Any absence for reasons other than the above will be considered unexcused , unless otherwise approved by the Superintendent .
* To report an absence / tardy you must call the nurse ’ s line directly at ( 201 ) 833-5543 . The main office will not transfer your call .
The New Jersey Administrative Code ( NJAC 6A : 16-7.8 ( a ) 4 ) requires certain school staff responses for unexcused absences . Specifically :
1 . For up to four ( 4 ) cumulative unexcused absences : a . Make reasonable attempt to notify student ‘ s parents of each unexcused absence prior to start of the following school day b . Conduct investigation of cause of each unexcused absence , including contact with student ‘ s parents c . Develop action plan to address patterns of unexcused absences , and to have student return to school and maintain regular attendance d . Proceed with reporting to DCP & P and police if a potential missing or abuse child situation is detected e . Cooperate with law enforcement and other authorities / agencies as appropriate 2 . For between five ( 5 ) and nine ( 9 ) cumulative unexcused absences : a . Make reasonable attempt to notify student ‘ s parents of each unexcused absence prior to start of the following school day b . Conduct follow-up investigation , including contact with student ‘ s parents , to determine cause of each absence c . Evaluate appropriateness of action plan previously developed in accordance with procedures above d . Revise action plan as needed to identify patterns of unexcused absences and establish outcomes based upon the student ‘ s needs and specify interventions for achieving the outcomes , supporting student ‘ s return to school , and regular attendance that may include : i . Refer / consult with the I & RS team ii . Conduct testing / assessments of student ‘ s academic , behavioral , and health needs iii . Consider alternative educational placement iv . Make referral to community-based social and health provider agency or other community resource v . Refer to court program vi . Proceed with reporting to DCP & P and police if a potential missing or abuse child situation is detected
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