Attendance
Every day counts! Attendance in school is required by law and is essential for student success. The Board requires that students attend school every day it is in session, except for valid reasons noted below. Regular attendance positively impacts student achievement—academically, socially, and emotionally.
When a student is absent, schools provide prompt notice to parents/guardians via email, text message, and phone call.
- Parents must provide written excuses for absences within three days.
- The first ten absences can be verified with a parent note.
- After ten absences—even if some were excused with medical notes—any further absences require a medical professional’s note; parent notes are not acceptable.
Absence Definitions
If your child is out of school, but you feel he/she is well enough to try to keep up with
some of his/her schoolwork, please contact the office and work will be provided for the
student. Please allow the teacher one day to prepare work for you. You may pick it up in
the office.
Please refer to the School Board Policy on Attendance (No. 204) for more
information.
Lateness and Tardiness Procedures at New Garden
Prompt arrival at school is expected of all students. Late arrival disrupts class and causes loss of instruction time.
- Any student arriving at their classroom after 8:45 is considered late.
- The parent must accompany the student to the office and give reason for lateness.
- The reason will be recorded and can be considered excused or unexcused.
- Recurring or excessive lateness is a serious problem that cannot be condoned.
- Meetings will be scheduled to address Truancy.
Absence Notes
Extended Absence Note (English)
Extended Absence Note (Spanish)
Where do I send my absence note?
Written notes must be submitted within three (3) days of an absence and can be sent via email, Talking Points, or sent back to school with your child. Late arrival or early dismissal should always be communicated to the Attendance Clerk via email.