ATTENDANCE POLICY

​WHEN A STUDENT IS SICK / ABSENT FROM SCHOOL

• Parent/Guardian is to complete the following Google Form: Reporting Absence Form
   

• When a student returns to school, they are to bring a parent/guardian note regarding their absence to school. Students are to show each teacher the note regarding their absence(s) and have their teachers sign the note. After note has been shown to all teachers, students are to deliver notes to ROOM 108 (General Office). The student's absence note will be kept on file with the school.
   

• All absence notes should have the Student's First and Last name, Grade Level and Class on it.
   

ABSENT FROM SCHOOL DUE TO TRAVELING OUT OF THE COUNTRY

• Parent/Guardian should be reporting a scheduled trip which would result in an extended absence (such as a trip out of the country) to the school secretary at mngai@schools.nyc.gov
   

• Please include the itinerary of the trip, including date of departure and date of return.

  • Note: In the event of an extended absences (Longer than 1 month), it is expected that the student attend school in the location they are in. This may result in your child being discharged, with readmission upon return.
     

ABSENT FROM SCHOOL FOR A RELIGIOUS EVENT, OR FAMILY EVENT

• If a student has a life event (such as a religious event, family graduation, etc.) parents/guardians will continue to use the “Reporting Absence Form”.
   

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM:

•  Students who are absent 10% or greater over the course of the school year are defined as “Chronically Absent”. This can result in any of the following interventions

  • Parent Meeting to discuss a Student Success Plan

  • AIS for the student upon return

  • In more serious cases (such as no known reason for absent)- Attendance Teacher visits

  • In Severely Chronically Absentee cases, where there are no efforts for the student to come to school and the student hasn't been seen by MS 407 staff, this can result in ACS involvement.

WHAT IS LATE? WHEN IS LATENESS EXCUSED:

• Students who arrive after 8:10 AM are considered late. Students who arrive at this time will be required to get a late pass from the main office (Room 108) before attending class.
   

• Excused lateness includes, but is not limited to:

  • “Yellow” bus travels

  • Inclement weather (such as a snowstorm)

  • Events impacted the opening of NYCPS
     

WHEN AND HOW STUDENTS CAN LEAVE EARLY

• The school day is from 8:10 AM-2:30 PM. If a student must leave early, they can only be picked up by a person who is identified on the emergency contact form- NO EXCEPTIONS
   

• The person who is picking up a student must present a Valid ID to our School Safety Agent. They will then be escorted to the office to validate their information on the Emergency Contact form, and staff will support the adult with pickup of the student. No one under the age of 18 can pick up a student.
   

HOW ARE FAMILIES NOTIFIED OF ABSENT/LATE

• MS 407 has homeroom teachers who take attendance starting at 8:10 AM daily. The attendance is taken and submitted to the main office.
   

• Parent Outreach is facilitated to confirm absences.
   

• Automated calls/text messages at 11:00am to the registered email and phone number provided in your NYCSA.
   

• Middle School students also receive period attendance taken by Jupiter Ed.  Period Attendance can be found within Jupiter Ed.
   

HOW BEING ABSENT/LATE IS MANAGED FOR CLASSWORK, EXAMS, AND GRADES

• We encourage all students to attend school every day, with a goal of achieving 100% attendance whenever possible. We understand that illness and other unforeseen circumstances may occasionally result in absences.
   

• Frequent absences can negatively affect a student's academic progress and may impact promotion to the next grade. Promotion requirements include:

  • Grades 6 & 7: A final average of 65% or higher in Math and ELA.

  • Grade 8: A final average of 65% or higher in Math, ELA, Science, and Social Studies.
     

• When students are absent, they miss valuable instructional time. To help students stay informed, all teachers use Google Classroom to post assignments, resources, and important class information. Parents can monitor grades and academic progress through JupiterEd.
   

• Please note that remote or virtual instruction is not available for student absences.
   

BENEFITS OF MAINTAINING STRONG ATTENDANCE RECORDS

• MS 407 supports the NYCPS “Every Student, Every Day” attendance initiative. Regular attendance at required meetings helps students stay informed, receive needed support, and demonstrate responsibility and commitment to their success.
   

• Students who consistently attend may be recognized through certificates, celebrations, leadership opportunities, special events, and enrichment activities. Consistent attendance also strengthens relationships, builds a sense of belonging, and develops important life skills such as accountability and self-advocacy.
   

• Students who actively participate often become positive role models, helping foster a culture of engagement and responsibility. By attending regularly, students can fully benefit from the academic, social, and leadership opportunities available at MS 407.
   

• It is our goal to work with all of you as a partner in your child’s education. If you need support with getting your child to school, reach out to us as soon as you notice the pattern. Your transparency with the support you may need will benefit our team in getting you the information and resources you need to get your child into school. Please contact our Parent Coordinator, Ms. Enisa Jimenez (ext. 1082), and she will be able to connect you to our team and resources.
   

• “Every Student, Every Day” isn’t just a phrase- it is our goal.
   

• We look forward to a successful school year.

Stephen Lombardo, Principal