According to the School Law of the State of New York, all children between the ages of 6 and the completion of the school year in which they turn 16 must be in attendance at school at all times during which the school is in session.

Each school day is a valuable opportunity for your child to learn and build meaningful relationships with peers and teachers. Arriving on time and staying for the full day is just as important. Late arrivals and early dismissals can disrupt your child’s learning experience, so we ask for your support in ensuring they attend on time and for the entire day. 

There is a positive correlation between regular attendance at school and academic success. The business world demands that employees be at work daily and on time. Excessive absenteeism and/or lateness to work often result in the loss of jobs. Our school has an obligation to expect regular attendance and punctuality from our students in school and class. Students have a responsibility to come to school regularly and to be on time for school and all their classes. Parents have a responsibility to see that their children meet these requirements.

As the first 5 weeks of school come to a close, we are reminding families of the importance of regular attendance. Establishing daily routines plays a vital role in reducing stress, fostering connections with friends and teachers, and creating a strong sense of belonging for both students and staff. We love to see our students in school, engaged and learning new things! 

Families can do little things to help encourage regular school attendance:

• Schedule medical appointments outside of school hours.

• Plan family trips and vacations during school breaks.

• Pick out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

• Establish a morning routine.

Attendance Notifications

Families will receive a phone call when their student has an unexcused absence. Notifications are automated and are sent on the day of the unexcused absence.

Attendance Matters

Did you know?

• Missing just two school days a month adds up to 18 days a year?  Absences add up!  Students who attend regularly are more likely to stay on track academically.

• By Grade 9, good attendance can predict graduation rates.

• Good attendance offers opportunities to learn, build positive relationships with peers and adults, and access important resources and support.

Reporting a Known Absence

• When a student needs to be absent, and you know in advance, please send in an excuse.   All absences will be recorded as unexcused until a written note from the parent/guardian or medical provider is received. 

• All students are required to return to school with a written excuse or send an email signed by a parent/guardian or medical provider no later than 5 school days after an absence or tardy arrival to school. 

• Beyond the five days of the student’s return to school, the absence or tardy arrival will remain unexcused.

Grades K- 6:  Send a note with your child  to the Elementary main office or email the excuse here.

Grades 7-12:   Send a note with your child to the Jr High or Sr High main offices or email the excuse here (for Grades 7 & 8) or here (for Grades 9-12).

Chronic Absenteeism

Chronic absenteeism is an active area of focus for the Ellenville Central School District.  Chronic absenteeism is defined as a student who misses 10% or more of their enrolled days during the academic year.  Research shows that regular attendance is a significant factor of student success.

• Chronic absenteeism correlates to low academic performance.

• Absenteeism is a powerful predictor of dropout rates.

• Absenteeism has been linked to poor outcomes later in life.

Ellenville Attendance Initiatives

Attendance Reports

The charts below detail the attendance rates for Ellenville Central School District students in Grades PreK-12 for each month of the school year.

Parent Survey on Chronic Absenteeism

To understand the attendance habits of students and improve overall student attendance,  we are gathering data from parents on the causes of absenteeism.  We would appreciate it if you took a few minutes to complete the surveys below for each child that you have in Grades 1-6 and Grades 7-12.  Thank you in advance for your participation and partnership.