Student Attendance
Students are expected to arrive at school on time and remain in school until the end of the day.
Calling in a student absence
The school has a 24-hour automated answering system that has been designed so that parents can call in an absence at their convenience. All absences must be reported before 9:30 a.m. The number to call for student absences is 673-4434, Extension 1.
If a student is absent and the school has not heard from the parent, the school will make every reasonable effort to call the parent at home or work. A form is sent home on the first day of school requesting information on where parents may be reached during the school day. Parents must return this form to the school as soon as possible.
On occasion, school is in session when the Massachusetts and New Hampshire holidays are not aligned. The absenteeism on these days can be extremely high. We will attempt to contact all parents. However, the success will depend largely on the number of students absent. You can help reduce the number of calls to be made by our staff by remembering to call each time your child is absent.
Student attendance guidelines
| Tardy | A student is tardy after 8:25 |
| Absent AM | Arrival after 9:45 a.m. |
| Absent PM | Departure after lunch and before 2:00 p.m. |
| Dismissed PM | Departure after 2:00 p.m. |
| Absent All Day | (After arrival at school) Departure from school or the classroom, without returning any time within the first two (2) hours of the student day. |
Excessive absenteeism
The following procedures are intended to serve as guidelines for administrative actions. It is understood that each individual case shall be evaluated on its own merits when determining the appropriate intervention.
After 10 half day absences - Call home by school official
After 20 half day absences - Letter mailed home
A conference may need to be held with the Principal, Assistant Principal, Parents, or Guidance Counselor.
Further absenteeism may result in referral to the Truant Officer or possible action with DCYF.
Unexcused absences
Unexcused absences are defined as truancy or extra vacation days taken outside of the District's approved schedule.
When an unexcused absence occurs:
A letter could be placed in the child's cumulative file detailing the circumstances surrounding the unexcused absence.
Teachers will not be required to prepare take-along material to cover what is being taught in class during the unexcused absence. Upon returning, the child will be responsible for making up all material missed during the unexcused absence.
Truancy
Students are truant if they are absent without school or parental permission. Students who are truant shall be referred to the principal or his designee for disciplinary action. Consequences of truancy will range from internal suspension to referral to the District Truant Officer or the Milford District Court, depending upon the frequency or nature of the offense. In all cases parents/guardians shall be informed of the truancy and penalty imposed.
NON-DISCRIMINATION
In accordance with policy #2401, the Milford School District shall not discriminate in any of its education programs, activities, or employment practices on the basis of age, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, marital status, physical or mental disability. Further, it shall affirm equal opportunity in all of its educational programs, activities, and employment practices.
This policy is in compliance with the provisions of Title VI and Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Age Discrimination Act of 1967, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 197. The Education of All Handicapped Children Act of 1975, the Civil Rights Restoration Act of 1991, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1991. Any person having inquiries concerning the Milford School District's compliance with the regulations, which implement these laws may contact the District's Gender/Title IX Coordinator, English as a Second Language (ESL) Coordinator, or the Superintendent of Schools.