October 29, 2004

Dear Parent/Guardian,

This year the Hyannis West Elementary School Council is focusing on improving student attendance. We know that a high rate of absences has a detrimental effect on student learning. For example, upon reviewing students' scores on last year's MCAS tests we found that no student absent more than 8% of the year scored at the advanced level and these students made up 30-60% of the students in the needs improvement and warning categories.

In order to improve student attendance, we are taking several steps. First, we are going to recognize students for good attendance in several ways throughout the year, such as with monthly perfect attendance certificates. Secondly, we will be working with families to help resolve any problems that are impacting their child's attendance. The law is very clear in stating that a parent/guardian is held legally responsible if a child has seven unexcused absences in a six month period.

Under the policies of the Barnstable Public Schools, absences are excused for the following reasons:

Illness
Bereavement or serious illness in family
Weather so inclement as to endanger the health of the child
Observance of major religious holidays

Parents/guardians must provide, in writing, the reason for any absence. In the instances of chronic or irregular absence, reportedly due to illness, the school administration my request a physician's statement certifying such absences to be justifiable.

We are aware that there are times when a student should remain home due to illness.

CLICK HERE to find information from the Massachusetts Medical Society that will be useful in determining when your child should remain home.

Attendance Procedures

Upon fourth unexcused absence in a six month period

The Guidance Counselor will meet with the student to inquire about the student’s absences. The Counselor will also contact the student’s parent/guardian regarding the reasons for the absences. The purpose of these contacts is twofold. The first is to see if there are any extenuating circumstances for the absences that the school may help resolve or record absences as excused.

The School Nurse will call the parent/guardian any time the student is absent and record the reason for the absence.

Upon the seventh unexcused absence in a six month period

The Principal will send a letter to the parent/guardian informing them of their legal responsibility for their child’s attendance.

Upon the tenth unexcused absence in a six month period

The parent/guardian will be asked to attend a conference with the Principal, Guidance Counselor, Nurse, and Classroom Teacher. The purpose of this meeting will be to identify any extenuating circumstances, inform parent/guardian of the impact of the absences on the child’s learning, and inform the parent/guardian of the legal process the school will pursue if further unexcused absences occur.

Upon the twelfth unexcused absence in a six month period

The Principal and Guidance Counselor will utilize the legal system to ensure the student’s attendance.

To School Council Page