Attendance
Regular attendance is essential for student success. Students who are frequently absent from school miss direct instruction and regular contact with their teachers.
Pennsylvania law and School Board policy require daily attendance. Children who turn 6 on or before September 1 must enroll in school or begin a home school program that year. Additionally, any student less than 18 must comply with the compulsory school age requirements.
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.
Reporting Absences
Absences are considered unlawful until reported via the SchoolMessenger SafeArrival System or a written excuse explaining the absences is received.
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.
Learn More about Reporting Absences
Consequences of Unlawful Absences
Without a SchoolMessenger SafeArrival absence report or a written note (within 5 days of the absence), the absence will become unlawful.
- 3 Unlawful Absences: A letter will be sent home documenting truancy.
- 6 or More Unlawful Absences: The school is required to hold a Student Attendance Improvement Conference (SAIC). District staff shall notify the person in parental relationship in writing and by telephone. Neither the student nor the person in parental relationship shall be required to participate, and the SAIC shall occur even if the person in parental relationship declines to participate or fails to attend the scheduled conference.
The purpose of the SAIP is to examine the student's absences and reasons for the absences in an effort to improve attendance with or without additional services