K-8 School District Response To Unexcused Absences During the School Year That Count Toward Truancy

The following timelines will define the Sparta School District's plan to communicate and assist with truancy concerns.

4 cumulative unexcused absences for the first notification
9 cumulative unexcused absences for the second notification
10 or more unexcused absences the student is truant pursuant to NJSA 18A:38-27 and must be referred to the court program

“An unexcused absence that counts toward truancy” is a student’s absence from school for a full or a portion of a day for any reason that is not an “excused absence” as defined below.

“An excused absence” is a student’s absence from school for a full day or a portion of a day for the observance of a religious holiday pursuant to N.J.S.A. 18A:36-14 through 16, or any absence for the reasons listed below:

Necessary and unavoidable medical/dental appointments (with proof of appointment)
The student's required attendance in court;
Where appropriate, when consistent with Individualized Education Programs, the Individuals with Disabilities Act, accommodation plans under 29 U.S.C. §§ 794 and 705(20), and individualized health care plans;
The student’s suspension from school;
Family illness or death supported by a written letter from the parent upon the student’s return to school;
Visits to post-secondary educational institutions;
Interviews with a prospective employer or with an admissions officer of an institution of higher education;
Examination for a driver's license;
Take Our Children to Work Day
Observance of Veterans Day
Participation in district board of election activities
Attendance at a civic event (1 day per school year)
IDEA accommodations
An absence considered excused by a New Jersey Department of Education rule

Contact Information
Joyce Carr
Attendance Secretary
973.729.3107 x5504
joyce.carr@sparta.org
973.729.0483 (Fax)

Alpine Elementary School

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