Philosophy
There is a positive correlation between regular attendance at school and academic success. The business world demands that employees be at work daily and on time. Excessive absenteeism and/or lateness to work often results in the loss of jobs. Our school has an obligation to expect regular attendance and punctuality from our students in school and class. Students have a responsibility to come to school regularly and to be on time to school and to all their classes. Parents have a responsibility to see that their children meet these requirements.

Compulsory Education Law
According to the School Law of the State of New York, all children between the ages of 6 and the completion of the school year in which they turn 16 must be in attendance at school at all times during which the school is in session. The following conditions make it possible for a student to be legally absent:

• Illness of student.
• Severe storms or impossible roads.
• Death or severe illness in the immediate family. This does not provide for continual absences however.
• Religious observances.
• Required presence in court.
• Approved college visits.
• Military obligations.
• Medical or dental appointments.

Whenever possible, medical and dental appointments are to be scheduled outside of school time. Students having such appointments on a regular basis should schedule them so as to avoid missing the same class each time.

The reasons for absence listed below are considered by school authorities to be illegal absences within the meaning of the compulsory education law and will not be accepted.

• Family trips or vacations.
• Employment - including paper routes and baby sitting.
• Shopping.
• Job hunting.
• Truancy from school.
• Hunting, fishing, sports events, concerts, tanning, etc.

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