Attendance
Regular and punctual school and class attendance is essential to a student’s educational success. Students are expected to attend school every day unless they have an excused absence. To report an absence, please:
Excused Absences:
Parents/Guardians are expected to call the school office prior to 8:00 AM, if their child will be tardy or absent. Safety check calls will be made to parents/guardians, who have not contacted the office. Excused absences are defined by Maine law and School Board policy as follows:
- personal illness;
- an appointment with a health professional that must be made during the school day;
- observance of a religious holiday;
- a family emergency;
- or a planned absence for a personal or educational purpose which has been approved in advance by the school.
Unexcused Absences:
Over the past few years there has been an increase in the number of students who are taken out of school for family vacations during times when school is in session. These are considered as unexcused absences. Teachers are not required to give vacation homework or to give make-up assignments, tests, or assessments. It is important to be aware that such unexcused absences may make it difficult for students to master concepts taught and reinforced in the classroom program. Vacation or make-up assignments really cannot “replace” specific classroom instruction. Parents/Guardians are expected to notify the school office if their child will be tardy or absent. Child watch services are provided through the Volunteer Program. The homes of students who have not called in will be contacted in order to insure that the child is safe at home.