Attendance Policy

It is the policy of the Fairhaven Public Schools and a law of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts that every child between the ages of six and sixteen must attend school.  Regular and punctual school attendance is essential for success in school. A student’s understanding of the importance of day-to-day school work is an important factor in the shaping of character. Parents can support their child’s success and our mission by refusing to allow children to miss school needlessly and ensure that they attend school regularly in accordance with state law.

Students may be excused temporarily from school attendance for the following reasons:

• Illness or quarantine
• Bereavement or serious family illness
• Weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the child
• For observance of major religious holidays
• For a school sanctioned activity
• Exceptional reasons with approval of school administration
  

Parents are expected to provide an explanation in writing, by phone, or in person for the absence, tardiness, or early dismissal of a child. Failure to comply with this regulation could result in disciplinary action. In instances of chronic or irregular absences reportedly due to illness, the administration may request a physician’s statement, certifying such absences to be justifiable.

Absence Notification

When you are absent from school, you must have your parents call the school to report your absence and the reason for it. The school telephone number to report absences is 508-979-4066. Parents are asked to call by 9 A.M.  If notification is not received, the absence will be treated as truancy.

Students who are absent or suspended from school for any part of the school day may NOT be in the building, nor attend or participate in such activities as dances, athletic events, school functions, or other extra curricular activities on the day of the absence unless permission has been granted by the principal or designee.

Tardiness

Students are expected to arrive on time and to be inside their homeroom when morning attendance is taken. You are tardy if you are not in your homeroom by 7:55 A.M. You must report to the assistant principal’s office for a pass if you come in to school late.  Three or more tardies a term will result in administrative detentions. 

Dismissal

The school shall assume that each parent has legal custody of a child unless the school principal is otherwise notified in writing by a parent or by a guardian having legal custody. Dismissal of a child to an individual other than a parent or guardian will not be permitted unless a parent or guardian having legal custody provides a written notice of permission. The parent claiming custody will be obligated to provide legal evidence to the school principal in the case of a dispute.

1. Students shall not be permitted to leave the school grounds at any time during the school day without approval from the school office.
2. All dismissal notes shall be turned in to the main office prior to the beginning of school and MUST INCLUDE the student’s first and last name, reason for dismissal and a telephone number where a parent can be reached prior to the time of dismissal. NO TELEPHONE DISMISSALS SHALL BE ACCEPTED.
3. Whenever a student is dismissed, a parent, legal guardian or authorized adult must report to the school. No student will be dismissed unless accompanied by a parent, guardian or authorized adult.
4. We urge parents to make every effort to schedule appointments at times that do not conflict with school hours.

1. Students who do not feel well enough to attend class must obtain a pass from a teacher to report to the Health Office.  If a student visits the nurse three times or more in one week, he or she may be required to provide medical documentation.
2. If a student remains in the Health Office due to illness, a phone call shall be made to inform the parents. A log shall be kept by the nurse listing the time of arrival and departure of all students who leave class due to illness.
3. Dismissals for illness shall be issued through the Health Office and can be made only to the parent or person(s) authorized on the EMERGENCY FORM in the Health Office. It is therefore EXTREMELY IMPORTANT TO KEEP DATA UPDATED THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
4. The dismissal will be excused by the nurse, if there is vomiting or a fever greater than 100?.  Otherwise, the dismissal will be undocumented until documentation is provided.
   

Vacations

Students will not be given assignments in advance for vacations taken during the school year.  It is the responsibility of the student to make-up all work immediately upon his/her return.  The teacher is not required to provide extra help for missed class assignments due to vacation absence.  Vacations are considered “undocumented” absences.

Make-up Work

All children enrolled in the Fairhaven Public School system shall be given the opportunity to make-up work missed. You are responsible for all work you miss when you are absent.  The student is allowed two days for every day absent to make up missed assignments.   If you know that you will be absent for more than 2 days, you may request assignments from your teachers. Have your parents call the guidance office at 508 979-4066.  The secretary will ask for information, so help your parents be ready with your grade, team, homeroom and the dates for which the work is needed. Assignments and books will be available in the main office by 2:30 P.M. on the day following your request. 

Parents are asked to inform the school nurse of medical conditions that may affect attendance. It is also important for parents to notify the school if you will be absent for an extended period of time for illness or other emergency reasons.