The Board of Education acknowledges that student participation in all regularly scheduled classroom learning activities in each area of study is essential in order for each student to receive the maximum benefits of a thorough educational program. The entire process of education requires a continuity of instruction, classroom participation, learning experiences and study. Regular attendance is required of all students enrolled in the schools during the days and hours that school is in session. The Highland Park Board of Education recognizes the only reasonable causes for absence to be the following:

• illness/injury

• religious holidays as designated by the State of New Jersey

• court appearances

• death in the family

• school-related activities with prior approval

Please promptly alert the main office (attendance office for high school and middle school). Students must have a note when returning after an absence. All work missed during an absence must be made up at a teacher discretion. A doctor's note is required for absences of longer than a week. For extended absences, work can be requested from the classroom teachers through the guidance office, and absences of more than ten days may make a student eligible for home instruction. For further information about illness-related absence procedures, contact the school nurse.

NOTE: At the high school level, absences and tardies can result in loss of credit and may prevent a student from graduating on time. Please see the High School student handbook on specific information.

At Irving and Bartle Schools, aides are on the playground at 8:00 a.m. Children who arrive before that time cannot be supervised. High School students must arrive promptly for homeroom. Students who are late, without a note, must report to the attendance office to sign in.

If it becomes necessary to have a child excused from school earlier than regular dismissal or admitted after the regular opening, a note must be sent to the main office or attendance office. Students must be picked up or dropped off at the office by parents/guardians or other designees.

In accordance with state law regarding pupil absence from school because of a religious holiday, no pupil may be deprived of any award or opportunity/eligibility to compete for such an award as a result of that absence. Further, a pupil who misses a test or examination due to such a holiday retains the right to a makeup or alternate exam. Absence due to religious holidays shall always be recorded as an excused absence. To be entitled to these rights, the pupil must present an excuse note signed by a parent/guardian.The mission of the Highland Park School District is to provide the community with the finest educational services through respect for diversity and commitment to collaboration, continuous improvement, and achievement of excellence.