Attendance Quick Guide
Attendance Policy and Expectations Quick Guide
Regular attendance is important for the educational growth of students as it helps with continuity of learning.
Connecticut state statute 10-198a is used to guide our policy. Below is a description of absences as seen on PowerSchool.
- Verified (VER) - This is an absence verified with documentation. These absences do not count toward a potential loss of credit. The following reasons are valid for verifying absences:
- Student Illness with a doctor’s note
- College visits
- Mandated Court Dates
- Family emergency or major life events (ex. wedding, funeral)
- Mental Health/Wellness Day (MHW) - 2 each year per state law
- Excused (EXC) - family excused absence- ex. Illness without a doctor’s visit, family vacations, out-of-state athletic competitions.
- Unexcused (UNX) - student absence without notification; students who cut a class. (In the case of class cuts, student work assigned or due on that day will not be given credit and will be assigned an office detention.)
Students are allowed 6 absences per semester course or 13 absences per full year course (EXC or UNX). Verified absences do not count toward this total.
After 7 absences per semester or 14 absences per year, families will be notified that their student will potentially lose credit for the course. Families must then fill out an appeal and call the attendance line at 203-452-5823 ext.7038.
Tardies are disruptive to the educational process for the class and distracting for teachers.
- Any tardy that is more than 50% of the class is marked as an UNX absence.
- Consequences for excessive tardiness will result in after-school detentions, Saturday detentions, and potential loss of parking and/or early dismissal privileges.
Please see the full policy linked here.
Attendance & Tardy Policy: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Why is regular attendance important?
Regular attendance is essential to a student's academic success. Being present in class promotes continuity of learning, allows students to participate in discussions and activities, and helps them stay on track with coursework.
How is attendance determined?
Our attendance policy follows Connecticut state law. Attendance is recorded in PowerSchool using the following codes:
What is a Verified (VER) absence?
A Verified (VER) absence is supported by appropriate documentation and does not count toward the attendance limit that could result in a loss of course credit.
Examples include:
- Student illness with a doctor's note
- College visits
- Court appearances
- Family emergencies or major life events (such as a wedding or funeral)
- Up to two Mental Health/Wellness Days (MHW) each school year, as permitted by Connecticut law
What is an Excused (EXC) absence?
An Excused (EXC) absence is approved by a parent or guardian but does count toward the attendance limit.
Examples include:
- Illness without a doctor's note
- Family vacations
- Out-of-state athletic competitions
What is an Unexcused (UNX) absence?
An Unexcused (UNX) absence occurs when:
- A student is absent without parent/guardian notification.
- A student cuts class.
Students who cut class will:
- Receive an Unexcused (UNX) absence.
- Receive no credit for work assigned or due that day.
- Be assigned an office detention.
How many absences are allowed before attendance may affect course credit?
Students may accumulate:
- Up to 6 Excused (EXC) or Unexcused (UNX) absences in a semester course
- Up to 13 Excused (EXC) or Unexcused (UNX) absences in a full-year course
Verified (VER) absences do not count toward these totals.
What happens if my student exceeds the attendance limit?
After:
- 7 absences in a semester course, or
- 14 absences in a full-year course,
Families will be notified that the student is at risk of losing course credit.
To begin the review process, families should:
- Complete an attendance appeal.
- Call the Attendance Office at 203-452-5823 ext. 7038.
Tardy Policy
Why is on-time attendance important?
Arriving on time helps students maximize instructional time and minimizes disruptions to classmates and teachers.
When does a tardy become an absence?
If a student arrives after more than 50% of the class period has passed, the student will receive an Unexcused (UNX) absence for that class.
What are the consequences for excessive tardiness?
Students with excessive tardies may receive:
- After-school detention
- Saturday detention
- Loss of parking privileges
- Loss of early dismissal privileges
Where can I find the full attendance policy?
Please click here to read to access the full attendance policy.