We believe that the school and parents/guardians have a shared responsibility for the care and education of the students attending the school. We would like to assure parents that their children arrived at school safely and on time.
If a student is unable to attend school, his/her parents/guardians MUST CALL the school to report the absence. Parents must call the school to report an absence before 8:50 a.m. on the morning of the absence. If you wish, you may leave a message as early as the evening before the absence. Parents of Mason Elementary students must call (603) 878-2962 and leave a message reporting:
- Your name
- Your child’s name
- Grade and teacher’s name
- Reason for absence
- Your telephone number or another way we can reach you
The school will call parents/guardians after 9:00 a.m. to verify the absence of all students for whom we have received no call.
Excused absences
The following are considered excused absences:
- Illness
- Recovery from an accident
- Required court attendance
- Medical and dental appointments
- Death in the immediate family
- Observation or celebration of a bona fide religious holiday
- Such other good cause as may be acceptable to the principal or permitted by law.
The principal may require parents to provide documentation in support of the reported absence, including but not limited to doctor’s notes, court documents, obituaries, or other documents supporting the claimed reason for non-attendance.
Parents who plan to take their children out of school for an extended period of time, for reasons other than illness or injury, must put their intent in writing to the principal, if possible, two weeks prior to the absence.
When a student is taken out of school by a parent/guardian to go on a trip while school is in session, missed work will be given upon the student’s return to school. This policy enables the student to enjoy and focus on the trip. Special arrangements can be made with the teacher as to the time frame and method of getting the work caught up.
Absence due to illness
The time frame for completion of work for children with illness or injuries will be determined on an individual basis. Students who are absent for reasons of illness (or other circumstances approved by the school) for over 10 days have the right to a tutor.
Frequent absences may affect a child’s “letter grade” and/or promotion. In-class instruction and participation are vital to a child’s understanding of the material. Parents/guardians must weigh the alternatives and decide what is best for their child.
Student absences, tardiness, and early dismissals are part of the official attendance records, which are required by the state of New Hampshire. If your child is frequently tardy or dismissed early, progress and achievement are affected due to loss of learning time. Tardiness and early dismissals also affect all students in a class, as they are disruptive to the classroom activity. Please make good attendance a priority.
Truancy
The administration closely monitors absences, tardiness, and early dismissals. Attendance records of all children are reviewed. According to NH State Law (RSA 189:34), truancy is defined as an unexcused absence from school or class. Ten half days of unexcused absence during a school year shall constitute habitual truancy. Attendance records of all children are reviewed regularly. Parents of children with five or more unexcused absences may receive a letter of concern from administration which will be kept on file. The letter will indicate the need to meet with administration to determine a plan to address attendance concerns. The principal shall serve as the designated truancy official for Mason Elementary School.