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Massachusetts State Law requires every child between the ages of six and sixteen to be in attendance in a public or private school. State Law further states in Chapter 76, section 1A, that parents are required to inform school authorities of all absences and the reasons for such absences. It is the obligation of every parent/guardian to notify his/her child's school by telephone every morning in which the student will be absent. It is also the responsibility of the student to provide a signed written note to the school upon returning from his/her absence, indicating parental consent for the days absent. Failure to provide this written notice shall result in school disciplinary action. Truancy or excessive absenteeism shall result in school disciplinary action and/or a home visit by a school attendance officer and, if the aforementioned efforts fail, a court referral. M.G.L. Chapter 76, Section 4: Whoever induces or attempts to induce a minor to absent himself unlawfully from school, or unlawfully employs him or harbors a minor who, while school is in session, is absent unlawfully there from shall be punished by a fine of not more than $200.

Tardiness

A student who reports to school late must report to the office and receive an admittance slip before going to his/her homeroom or class. A student who is tardy must bring a note signed by a parent/guardian stating the reason for the tardiness. Excessive tardiness shall result in disciplinary action by the school administration and may result in a home visit by the school attendance officer.

Dismissals

Students are not permitted to leave the school building or school grounds at anytime during the school day without a note from his/her parent/guardian. This dismissal note should be presented to the office in the morning prior the beginning of school. Students will receive a dismissal slip to be presented to the teacher at the time of dismissal. All students must report to the office at the time of their dismissal to be officially dismissed. The school nurse and administration issue dismissals for illness/injury. The parent/guardian will be contacted and appropriate arrangements will be made for the illness/injury dismissal. A parent/guardian or individual designated on the student's emergency card MUST pick-up the student from the main office or nurse's office.