Attendance Secretary: Val Prendergast Email: jchsattendance@cwcboe.org

GENERAL ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES

New Jersey Administrative Code 18A requires that all students under the age of sixteen regularly attend school. 

Parents are requested to telephone the school (973-228-6981) before 8:00 a.m. to report a student’s absence.

Absence Note
A student who has been absent should bring a note to the main office on the morning he/she returns to school. That note must include the date(s) of absence, the reason for the absence(s), and must be signed by the student’s parent/guardian. A parent note “Acknowledges” the absence, but the absence still counts towards a student's total absences. Upon returning to school, a doctor’s note should be submitted to the main office. ​Doctor’s notes will not be accepted more than one week after a student’s return to school. Doctor’s notes can be faxed directly to JCHS at (973)226-9236 Attn: Jill Muller

“Unexcused absences” results when a student fails to bring a note of explanation regarding the absence other than excused absences (see “Excused Absences” below.)

“Acknowledged absences” occur when a parent informs the office of their child's absence for reasons that are not excused (ie: sickness, medical appointments, vacation). These absences are included when calculating a student's total absences from class. Acknowledged absences are taken into consideration if an attendance appeal is made.

“Excused absences” are defined as those caused by legal, bereavement, and/or religious reasons. The day of a student’s driver’s license test is also considered an “excused absence.”

In addition, students in grades 11 and 12 are permitted up to three college visit days during the school year, which are considered excused absences provided the student returns to school with a note from the college/university documenting the date of the visit.  Students who participate in school-sponsored activities that are held off school property are considered present.