Attendance Policy
The Board of Education acknowledges that student participation in all
regularly scheduled classroom learning activities in each area of study
is essential in order for each student to receive the maximum benefits
of a thorough educational program. The entire process of education
requires a continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning
experiences and study. Regular attendance is required of all students
enrolled in the schools during the days and hours that school is in
session. The Highland Park Board of Education recognizes the only
reasonable causes for absence to be the following:
- illness/injury
- religious holidays as designated by the State of New Jersey
- court appearances
- death in the family
- school-related activities with prior approval
Please promptly alert the main office (attendance office for high
school and middle school). Students must have a note when returning
after an absence. All work missed during an absence must be made up at a
teacher discretion. A doctor's note is required for absences of longer
than a week. For extended absences, work can be requested from the
classroom teachers through the guidance office, and absences of more
than ten days may make a student eligible for home instruction. For
further information about illness-related absence procedures, contact
the school nurse.
NOTE: At the high school level, absences and tardies can
result in loss of credit and may prevent a student from graduating on
time. Please see the High School student handbook on specific
information.
ARRIVAL
At Irving and Bartle Schools, aides are on the playground at 8:00
a.m. Children who arrive before that time cannot be supervised. High
School students must arrive promptly for homeroom. Students who are
late, without a note, must report to the attendance office to sign in.
PERMISSION TO LEAVE EARLY/SIGN IN LATE
If it becomes necessary to have a child excused from school earlier
than regular dismissal or admitted after the regular opening, a note
must be sent to the main office or attendance office. Students must be
picked up or dropped off at the office by parents/guardians or other
designees.
RELIGIOUS HOLIDAYS
In accordance with state law regarding pupil absence from school
because of a religious holiday, no pupil may be deprived of any award or
opportunity/eligibility to compete for such an award as a result of
that absence. Further, a pupil who misses a test or examination due to
such a holiday retains the right to a makeup or alternate exam. Absence
due to religious holidays shall always be recorded as an excused
absence. To be entitled to these rights, the pupil must present an
excuse note signed by a parent/guardian. The mission of the Highland Park
School District is to provide the community with the finest educational
services through respect
for diversity and commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and achievement of excellence.