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School Attendance Policy
Chapter 76, section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws states that all children between the ages of six and sixteen must attend school. A school district may excuse up to seven day sessions or fourteen half day sessions in any period of six months. In addition to this law, each school may have its own attendance policy with which parents/guardians should be familiar.
Policy:
- Regular attendance is expected of all students and is a necessary factor in achieving success. Work missed cannot be made up in a completely satisfactory manner.
- Absences are excusable for; illness, recovery from an accident, required court attendance, professional appointments, death in the immediate family, observation or celebration of a religious holiday, and such other good cause as may be acceptable to the Superintendent of Schools.
- Absence for such reasons as vacations, non‐school activities, or visiting is discouraged. Late night activities that cause a student to be tardy or absent the following day are also discouraged.
- Dedham Public Schools discourages the scheduling of dentist or doctor appointments during school hours unless it is an urgent situation.
- A student who arrives after 8:45 am will be reported as tardy. A student who leaves before 2:20 p.m. will be reported as an early dismissal.
Consequences:
- At 7 days absent, tardy, and/or early dismissals, parents will receive a letter indicating the total days absent, tardy, and/or early dismissals recorded. The Principal will then confer with the parents to determine the circumstances surrounding the child’s absences, tardy, and/or early releases to determine if further action is necessary.
- At 10 days absent, tardy, and/or early dismissals, parents will receive a second letter indicating the total days absent, tardy, and/or early releases recorded. The parent and/or guardian must submit a written statement explaining the reason for the child’s absences, tardy, and/or early releases.
- At 15 days absent, tardy, and/or early dismissals, the Principal will meet with the parents to determine the need to submit a petition to the Court for resolution with assistance by the Court or Department of Youth and Family Services.
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