Attendance
The Cape May County Schools for Special Services Board of Education believes that the educational process requires continuous, uninterrupted school attendance for all students. The Board of Education recognizes the responsibility of parents/guardians to see that students attend school regularly. All students are expected to be in school each day.
In December 2012, Governor Christie signed Tabitha’s Law which requires parents or guardians to notify the school if their child will be absent from school. If the Director or designee determines that the child is absent without a valid excuse and if the reason is unknown to school personnel, then the Director or designee will immediately attempt to contact/notify the parent and determine the reason for the absence. In our school the designee could be the school secretary, a case manager or teacher.
There are three (3) types of absences, excused, unexcused counting toward truancy, and unexcused not counting toward truancy as determined by N.J.S.A. 18A:38.
Excused Absence is a student’s absence from school for a full day or a portion of the day for the observance of a religious holiday pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:36-14 through 16, for Take Your Child to Work Day, or any other absence as determined to be excused by the New Jersey Department of Education.
Unexcused Absence that does not count toward truancy is a student’s absence from school for a full day or a portion of a day for the reasons listed below:
- The student’s illness is supported by a written letter from the parent upon the student’s return to school;
- The students required attendance in court;
- Where appropriate, when consistent with the IEP, the Individual with Disabilities Act, accommodations plans under 29 U.S.C. §§ 794 and 705(20), and individualized health care plans;
- The student’s suspension from school;
- Family illness or death supported by a written letter from the parent upon student’s return to school;
- Visits to post-secondary institutions;
- Interviews with prospective employer or with an admissions officer of an institution of higher education;
- Examinations for a driver’s license;
- Necessary or unavoidable medical or dental appointments that cannot be schedule at a time other than a school day
Unexcused Absence that does count toward truancy would be for any other reason not listed above.
The Director is required to inform sending school districts regarding all absences and unacceptable attendance patterns. Parents will receive phone calls regarding all unexcused absences. Sending school district’s policies determine loss of credit for high school students and continued enrollment at Cape May County High School or Ocean Academy. Please refer to the Board of Education Policy #5200 on Attendance which can be found on the district website under District→ Board of Education→ Policies and Regulations.
