Attendance
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Regular attendance at school is an important part of every student’s success and is necessary in order to gain the greatest benefit from the educational experience. Students who are frequently absent from school miss direct instruction and regular contact with their teachers. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania law and School Board policy require regular daily attendance. When absences accumulate, it may ultimately result in academic difficulty.
- Absences shall be treated as unlawful until the school receives a written excuse explaining the absence.
- Parents and guardians have 5 days after an absence to submit a written note (use the SchoolMessenger SafeArrival platform to report absences) .
- A maximum of 10 cumulative, lawful absences shall be permitted during the school year.
- Request for excusal of absences after 10 lawful absences shall require a written physician’s note.
- An unlawful absence shall be defined as an event in which a student is absent without a valid, acceptable note.
- A student is considered habitually truant when he or she accumulates 6 or more unlawful absences.
- Parents should report absence using the SafeArrival System. If you miss the cutoff, you must report with the electronic absence note (within 5 days of the absence), or the absence will become unlawful.
- A letter will be sent home if a child accumulates 3 or more unlawful absences documenting truancy.
- If a child accumulates 6 or more unlawful absences, the school will be required Student Attendance Improvement Plan (SAIP).
- Continuous absences will include a citation/referral for truancy court.
More details on attendance
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Absence Notification
If your child is going to be absent, you must notify the school by using the SchoolMessage SafeArrival system by 9am. If your child is marked absent and no call is received, an automated caller will contact you according to your preferences to verify the absence. You can use the SafeArrival app, website (go.schoolmessenger.com) or the district absence toll-free number (888)635-0460.
Electronic notes are also valid as long as they include a parent or guardian's signature. The note must be received within 5 days of the absence.
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Excused Absences
- A half-day of absence will be recorded for students who arrive at school after 11:15am at the middle school.
- Students are required to complete at least one-half day of school (must arrive no later than 11:15am) in order to participate in sports, musical programs, or other school-sponsored activities. If a student is absent from school, he is not permitted on school grounds that day for an athletic event or activity practice or game without building administrators' approval.
- Parents of Northley students must call the appropriate attendance office on the morning of the student’s absence to notify the school that the student will not be in attendance.
- Absences or late arrivals or early dismissals should be reported through the SchoolMessenger SafeArrival System. If you do not report the absence, you must use the electronic absence note.
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Lateness
When a student is late to school, he or she must report to the office with a note before proceeding to class.
A student is considered late if they come to school after 8:15am. Parents may use the SchoolMessenger SafeArrival system to report a late attendance or use an electronic absence note.
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Early Dismissal
It is expected that all efforts be made to schedule appointments during non-school
hours. However, it is also understood that events occur for which we are unable to prepare. If an early dismissal is needed, requests must be made in written form from a parent/guardian and the note should contain the parent’s phone number, time and date of dismissal, and the reason for the dismissal. -
Vacations
Vacations should not be planned when school is in session. If a vacation during the school year cannot be avoided, it cannot be considered an excused absence unless requested in writing and pre-approved by the principal. Vacations for students in grades 6,7, or 8 will not be approved one week before or during the PSSA testing window. The district will approve up to 5 vacation days per student per year. Students will be required to make up classroom work within five days of the student’s return unless other arrangements are made with the teacher.
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PSSA Assessment Dates and Attendance
The annual state assessment for all students in grades six, seven and eight (PSSA) will be administered on pre-determined dates (by the state) during the school year. It is imperative that all students attend school during these dates. Please avoid scheduling trips or vacation one week before or during these periods.
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English Language Arts (ELA) April 24- April 28, 2023
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Math, Science, and Make Ups May 1- May 12, 2023
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