Student/Parent Handbook - Onteora Central School District

ATTENDANCEABSENT STUDENT ASSIGNMENTSIf a student is to be absent for a short time (1-2 days), he or she is requested to contact fellowclassmates for assignments. If an extended absence is anticipated (longer than 2 days) contact yourguidance counselor to make arrangements for assignments.SCHOOL ATTENDANCE GUIDELINESA. AttendanceParents/guardians are responsible under the School Attendance Laws of New York State for theirchildren's regular attendance and punctuality. Parent/guardian must call the school by 9:30 a.m. if theirchild is not going to be attending school that day. The number to call is 657-2373.The Board of Education recognizes the following as legal excuses for student absences, each of whichmust be verified by the student’s parent or guardian, in writing, or school personnel, where applicable:1. Personal illness2. Death in the immediate family3. Religious observance4. Required attendance in court5. Approved school-sponsored activities, including field trips, interscholastic athletics, musicaland other competitions6. Directed or authorized presence at the Administrative Offices or Nurse’s Office7. Quarantine8. Emergency dental and medical appointments9. Military obligations10. Approved cooperative/work study program11. College visitations [only for juniors and seniors], with the prior knowledge and approval ofparents and counselors, so long as it does not exceed 4 days in a school year.A written excuse must be presented by the student on the day when returning to school following suchabsence. No written excuse for an absence will be accepted if the excuse is submitted more than 5days after the date of the absence, unless it is a doctor’s note. Any absence not provided for on theexcused list shall be deemed as unexcused. No parent has the right to illegally prevent a student fromattending school.B. Attendance Procedures1. The attendance office will provide a list of students who reach the following absences foradministrative action:a. 10 consecutive days absent - Letter sent to parentsb. 15 consecutive days absent - Phone call to parents from an administrator.c. 20 consecutive days absent - Parent conference required2. Attendance is taken each period, with the exception of lunch, by the classroom teacher or theirsubstitute.3. Students who are tardy to school will report to the attendance desk.27