Superintendent's Letter Regarding Attendance

September 2022

Dear Parents/Guardians,

Attending school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in prekindergarten and continuing through high school. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understand why attendance is so important for success in school and in life. Please call the school when your child is absent.

Under state legislation, the State Board of Education has defined “excused” and “unexcused” absence from school. In addition, ten or more absences from school (excused or unexcused) for medical reasons must be documented by a note from a medical professional.

The Vernon Public Schools, believing that every day in school counts, has developed a systemic response to school absence to assist and support families so that their students are in school on time every day:

• Three (3) absences (excused or unexcused) – A letter will be sent home expressing concern.
• Six (6) absences (excused or unexcused) – A phone call placed to the family by student support personnel.
• Nine (9) absences (excused or unexcused) – A letter will be sent home and the family will be asked to meet with school personnel.

The definition of truancy (four (4) unexcused absences in a month or ten (10) unexcused absences in a year) has not changed. Parents/Guardians will also be notified when students have reached two (2) unexcused absences in a month or five (5) in a year prior to the legal referrals that must be made when a child is truant.

Please let us know how we can best support you and your children so that they can show up for school on time every day. We want your child to be successful in school! If you have any questions or need more information, please contact your child’s school.

Sincerely,
Joseph Macary, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools