Regular and punctual school attendance is essential for success in school. The Committee does recognize that parents of children attending our schools have special rights as well as responsibilities, one of which is to ensure that their children attend school regularly, in accordance with state law.
Therefore, students may be excused temporarily from school attendance for the following reasons:
1. Illness, quarantine or medical appointment.
2. Bereavement or serious illness in family.
3. Weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the child.
4. For observance of religious holidays with reason
A child may also be excused for other exceptional reasons with approval of the school principal.
A student's understanding of the importance of day to day school work is an important factor in the shaping of his/her character. Parents can help their children by refusing to allow them to miss school needlessly.
Accordingly, parents will provide an explanation in writing, by e-mail or by telephone message for the absence and tardiness of a child. This will be required in advance for types of absences where advance notice is possible. If no explanation is received concerning a student's absence, the child will be considered truant. Student absence of more than 14 half days or 7 full days in a six-month period will require follow-up by the school principal and could result in notification of being dropped from the rolls.
{Adoption Date} 11.8.2011 by the Tisbury School Committee
LEGAL REFS: M.G.L. Chapter 76, School Attendance
1st Reading - 09.13.2011
2nd Reading - 10.11.2011
3rd Reading - 11.08.2011