Dear Parent(s) and/or Guardian(s):

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Attendance is an essential component of a student’s academic success. Often, the number of days that students are absent accumulates without parent(s)/guardian(s) realizing how many days have been missed. We realize some absences are unavoidable due to health problems or other circumstances. However, we also know that when students miss too much school— regardless of the reason – it can cause them to fall behind academically.

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Did you know that New York City’s Department of Education states that students with 10% or more absences are at a high risk for failure? This means, that once a student hits 10 or more absences, the DOE will automatically generate an attendance outreach referral.

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As part of our school’s attendance policy students who have been identified by NYSED as “At Risk” or“Chronically Absent” will be monitored by the attendance committee composed of the Pupil Accounting Secretary, Parent Coordinator, Guidance Counselor, Social Worker, and Administration.

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When a student is absent for any two (2) days in any month the following protocols will be used:

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  Phone call home to inform parent(s) or guardian(s) of the absence. Once informed, a school- based staff member will work with the parent/guardian to determine the reason for the absence and help prevent a third absence.

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  If the child experiences a third absence a member of the attendance team will call home and schedule an appointment to meet with the parent/guardian to inform them of the risks of chronic absenteeism.

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  If the child experiences more than three (3) unexplained absences the school will be responsible for taking appropriate action in response to the unexplained absence.

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Here are some basic things you should know about attendance in New York City schools:

 Schools must take attendance to show whether a student is in school or not; it’s the law.

 Schools can mark an absence as “excused” for religious reasons, illness, or some other reasons,

but they are still absent and will be part of the student’s record.

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  Schools must communicate with families when students are absent or late. Please make sure we

have a current and completed BLUE CARD on file.

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  Monitoring of student attendance is a required component of NYC DOE schools’ attendance

programs and is legally binding. It’s the law.

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Parents/Guardians who fail to take steps to effectively address the problem of absences may be reported for educational neglect to The Administration of Children’s Services (ACS) in accordance with the requirements and procedures set forth in Chancellor’s Regulations.

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We will report in cases where:

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 The parent/guardian is aware of the absences (consistently missing all or portions of scheduled classes).

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 The Parent/Guardian is contributing to the child’s absences.  The absences are impairing the child’s education.

Please Note: EXTENDED VACATIONS ARE UNACCEPTABLE. Please plan family trips during the school holidays.These absences constitute chronic absenteeism which may have an adverse effect.

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Here are a few practical tips to help support regular attendance:

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  Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your child to school.

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  Make sure your children keep a regular bedtime and establish a morning routine.

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  Lay out clothes and pack backpack the night before.

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  Ensure your students go to school every day unless they are truly sick.

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  Avoid scheduling vacations or doctor’s appointments when school is in session.

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  Talk to teachers and counselors for advice if your children feel anxious about going to school.

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Important Reminders:

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  Students are expected to arrive at school on time each day (school hours are 8:00 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.)

  Entrance locations accessed via 131st and 132nd Street will close promptly at 8:05 A.M. daily. It is important that students are entering at their assigned location on time daily.

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By doing so:

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1. it provides students with more time to settle into their classroom, thus potentially eliminating anxiety and/or stress about arriving at school.

2. it helps students become familiar with entering with their peers and teacher(s).

3. it helps reduce classroom interruptions and distractions for all students.

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4. it ensures students do not miss important instructions and/or information.

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We need all parent(s)/guardian(s) to set a good example by having their children arrive at school on time, not taking their children out early, and not allowing their children to miss school unless they are ill or there is a family emergency.

We encourage all families to utilize their child’s NYC School Account to review their attendance and performance records. You may contact the Parent Coordinator, Ms. Rea, atdrea3@schools.nyc.gov to retrieve the password required for registration.

 

Respectfully,

Ralph Honore

Principal