The New York State Department of Education’s attendance policy imposes significant responsibility on parents/guardians, students, and schools to make certain a student attends school. Absenteeism, lateness and/or early dismissal disrupts educational continuity and should be avoided. There is a strong correlation between good attendance and student performance. Each course of study involves class attendance, homework assignments, tests and class participation. Therefore, absences from classes resulting from lateness, early dismissal, college visits or vacation have a definite effect on a student’s grade.

Absences, latenesses and early dismissals are placed on a student’s permanent record/transcript and may have negative consequences presently or in the college application process.

Classes missed because of school trips, college visits, and in-school activities that absent a student from a particular class are all considered absences. As a result of repeated absences, early dismissals or latenesses, one or more of the following will occur:

1. After school or Saturday detention
2. Internal suspension
3. Loss of senior sign in/sign out privileges
4. Denial of participation in after school activities
5. Reduced grade
6. Denial of course credit

Please note, 3 latenesses will count as 1 absence for disciplinary action. If there are five absences from school or a particular class before December 1st the parent/guardian will be contacted for a conference with the Assistant Principal for Student Life.

A Perfect Attendance award is given to students who have no absences, no late arrivals, and no early dismissals and do not leave the building in the middle of the day and return.

Attendance Procedure:

1. A telephone call is required for every absence even if it is a one-day duration. A call into the Main Office, phone number (516) 921-1047 ext. 10 is required before 8:00AM.
2. When the student returns to school, a letter from the parent/guardian must be presented to the Assistant Principal for Student Life. The note must contain the following:

1. Date(s) of absence(s)
2. Reason for absence
3. Student’s name and grade
4. Parent/Guardian’s signature

3. If a student returns to school without an absent note, the student will not be allowed to go class until an absent note is FAXED or delivered to the school. In addition, the student will serve detention.
4. Doctor’s lines (Doctor’s letterhead, date and time of the appointment) are requested for the following:

1. Prolonged absence
2. Late arrivals due to doctor/dentist appointments
3. Early dismissals for doctor/dentist appointments

5. Course work will be provided for an extended illness. Otherwise it is the student’s responsibility to obtain class work and assignments from her peers.
6. A student who is not in school at the beginning of homeroom or who is absent for the day will not be permitted to take any after school make-up tests or participate in any after-school activities/athletic events.

Attendance on Retreat Days: Student Retreat Days or Days of Recollection are an important part of our Catholic Philosophy of Education. Every student is to be in attendance.

Late Bus Procedure: All students will report to the Main Office upon arrival at school. A late bus pass will be issued for admittance to class.

Lateness: Any student who comes late to school, other than as a result of a late bus, must have her parent/guardian sign her in at the Main Office and list the time of arrival and reason for lateness.

Seniors who drive and are late must present a note from their parent/guardian. Failure to present a note will result in detention.

Early Dismissal: In case of an emergency appointment, a note must be presented to the Assistant Principal for Student Life before homeroom. The parent/guardian must sign the student out in the Main Office.

Dismissal for Sickness: The nurse calls the parent/guardian to report any sickness. The student waits with the nurse until the parent/guardian arrives to sign out the student at the Main Office.

School Closings: For school closing because of inclement weather or emergencies, listen to Radio Stations - WINS (1010), WGSM (740), WHLI (1100), WGBB (1240), WALK (97.5 FM, 1370 AM) or Channel 12 Cablevision. A phone chain is initiated among school families for every emergency closing.