Improving attendance is a district-wide priority, and our team is eager to work with families to ensure that all students reap the full benefits of the learning opportunities provided to them. We are proud to share that we improved our rate of chronic absenteeism in each of our schools last year, but we have more room to improve. In New Jersey, chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10% or more of the school year. For a student enrolled for the full year, that is 18 or more school days. Outside of exceptional circumstances, students should not approach 18 absences in a school year.
As we devote extra efforts to improving attendance, written notices will continue to be provided to families when concerning absence thresholds are met. Members of our team will also be reaching out by phone and scheduling meetings to develop attendance improvement plans as needed. Our collaboration will be key to success, and we thank you for your partnership and support in this regard.