“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:
a. 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;
b. Take Our Children to Work Day;
c. An absence considered excused by a New Jersey Department of Education rule;
d. The student’s illness only if supported by a doctor/physician’s note.
- It is recognized that not all illnesses require a visit to a doctor/physician. If this is the case, the absence will count towards loss of credit and is the reason why students are allowed a reasonable number of unexcused absences before losing credit.
- Necessary and unavoidable medical and dental appointments that cannot be scheduled at a time other than the school day.
e. The student’s required attendance in court;
f. The student’s suspension from school;
g. Family illness or death supported by a medical note for family illness or a written notice from the parent for death;
h. Visits to post-secondary educational institutions up to the permitted maximums per year established by Department of Education;
i. Interviews with a prospective employer or with an admissions officer of an institution of higher education;
j. Examination for a driver’s license;
k. Necessary and unavoidable medical or dental appointments that cannot be scheduled at a time other than during the school day;
If appropriate documentation is not provided with specific dates when the student returns to school, (not to exceed five school days beyond the students return to school) the absence may or may not count toward loss of credit.