Attendance
ATTENDANCE
Contact Information
Please direct all attendance related questions to hsattendance@onteora.k12.ny.us. Absence notes, doctor's notes, and early release notes can be emailed or dropped off by students at the main kiosk (welcome desk).
ABSENT STUDENT ASSIGNMENTS
If a student is to be absent for a short time (1-2 days), the student is requested to contact fellow classmates for assignments. If an extended absence is anticipated (longer than 2 days) contact the School Counseling Department for High School Students grades 9 through 12 and the Middle School Principal’s Office for grades 7 through 8 so arrangements can be made for collection of assignments.
SCHOOL ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES
ATTENDANCE
Parents/guardians are responsible under the School Attendance Laws of New York State for their children's regular attendance and punctuality. Parent/guardian must call or email the school by 9:30 a.m. if their child is not going to be attending school that day. The number to call is 657-2373.
The Board of Education recognizes the following as legal excuses for student absences, each of which must be verified by the student’s parent or guardian, in writing, or school personnel, where applicable:
- Personal illness;
- Death in the immediate family;
- Religious observance;
- Required attendance in court;
- Approved school-sponsored activities, including field trips, interscholastic athletics, musical and other competitions;
- Directed or authorized presence at the Administrative Offices or Nurse’s Office;
- Quarantine;
- Emergency dental and medical appointments;
- Military obligations;
- Approved cooperative/work study program;
- College visitations [only for juniors and seniors], with the prior knowledge and approval of parents and counselors, so long as it does not exceed 4 days in a school year.
A written excuse must be presented by the student on the day when returning to school following such absence. No written excuse for an absence will be accepted if the excuse is submitted more than 5 days after the date of the absence, unless it is a doctor’s note. Any absence not provided for on the excused list shall be deemed as unexcused. No parent has the right to illegally prevent a student from attending school.
A student will be given an illegal absence for truancy. The student is responsible for all work missed.
Students violating N.Y.S. Law in such a manner will be suspended as outlined in the Code of Student Conduct.
ATTENDANCE PROCEDURES
CLASS
Each student has a complete schedule including class assignment, study hall, and lunch. They are expected to follow their schedule and to be present at the beginning of each assignment on time.
Students are expected to attend all classes and study halls, unless the proper authority excuses them. Attendance will be taken each period.
HOMEROOM
Homeroom is part of first period, which begins at 7:40 a.m. Extra time is allotted for homeroom purpose. It is imperative that students be prompt and present.
EARLY DISMISSAL NOTES
- Students must present a note from their parent/guardian to the Middle School/High School attendance secretary prior to the beginning of first period.
- The note must contain the pick-up time, reason for early dismissal and contact number(s) for the parent/guardian.
- If the student is being picked up by someone other than their parent/guardian, the name of the individual picking up the student must also be included in the note.
- Telephone contact will be made to the student’s parent/guardian to confirm the note prior to an early dismissal pass being provided. Failure to confirm with the parent/guardian will result in denial of an early dismissal pass.
- In the event that a written note is unable to be provided for early dismissal due to unexpected circumstances, an e-mail must to be sent to the High School attendance secretary at hsattendance@onteora.k12.ny.us. The e-mail must include the information requested above.