Notification of Absence and Truancy
Parents/Guardians should call the MLHS attendance line at 973-833-8210 or email [email protected] before 9:30 a.m. on the day of a student’s absence. A school representative will call the home of any person whose parent or guardian has not notified the school of their child’s absence. A note explaining the reason for the absence is requested upon the student’s return to school. The student should bring the note to the main office before homeroom on the day he/she returns to school.
Truancy is defined as a student who absents himself by either not coming to or pre-maturely leaving school without the prior consent of a parent or guardian. Therefore, a student whose absence has not been verified by his or her parent or guardian is truant on that day and will earn a “0” for his or her class work in addition to being subject to disciplinary action. A student who is absent without consent of a parent or guardian more than four times will be referred to the I&RS team. Upon the tenth absence without parental consent the school district will make a mandatory referral to the court program designated by the New Jersey Administrative Office of the Courts.
Early Dismissal for Appointments, Etc.
While frequent early dismissal can inhibit student progress, at times it is necessary for a student to leave school before the end of the day. The school suggests that parents make all efforts to avoid this situation. Acceptable reasons for early dismissal include medical appointment, college visitation, religious observance, and scheduled court appearance.
A student who wishes to be excused from school is required to bring in a note signed by the parent, indicating the reason for sign-out, time of departure and approximate time of return to school. The note must be brought to the office before homeroom so a pass can be issued. At the appointed time, the student is to report to the main office in order for him/her to be signed out by one of the secretaries. Upon their return to school (either later that day or in a subsequent day), students must first report to the main office with the doctor's note, or note from college campus, etc. to be signed in and given an admit slip to class.
Students doing volunteer work at Wildwood, Briarcliff, or Lake Drive Schools must have prior written approval on file. They must sign out and back in on the designated list in the main office.
Barring prior authorization by the administration, no student is permitted to leave school grounds during his/her lunch period or any other time. Those who choose to leave the building without signing out in-person and without advance notification from a parent or guardian are considered truant and will receive “0” for class-work in addition to meeting with the corresponding disciplinary consequence truancy and cutting.