Absences have a significant impact on the Octorara Intermediate School's instructional program and are of serious concern to the OIS educational and learning support team.
When a student misses school, it becomes difficult for them to keep the same learning pace with other students in their class who attend school on a regular basis and inhibits their ability to acquire the necessary skills and concepts for the basic curriculum, such as reading, writing, and math. As a result, students with excessive absences and tardiness do not receive the required support in academic and social progress. Success in learning can not be achieved when children are not meeting the Pennsylvania Department of Education legal requirements for attendance. Daily attendance in school prepares our students with the necessary skills to be successful citizens and creates increased opportunities for their future.
For additional clarification, listed below are the Pennsylvania Department of Education's definitions of absences:
Absence - Non-attendance of a pupil on a school day or half-day when school is in session.
Tardiness - When a student arrives late for school or dismisses early.
Excused Absence - Legal non-attendance due to unpreventable causes, such as illness, inclement weather.
Unexcused Absence - Absence due to no written excuse, parental neglect, and truancy.
Upon returning to school after an absence students must present a written notice giving the reason for the absence. All excuses presented must clearly state the following:
Date of return to school.
Full name of student.
Date(s) of absence.
Classroom teacher's name.
Reason for absence.
Signature of parent or guardian.
*When a student is absent five consecutive days a doctor's note is required. In addition, a doctor's note is required after 10 days of absence. As a general procedure it is beneficial to bring in a note from a doctor or dentist whenever your child has an appointment.
