Attendance Policy Clarification

2023/2024 School Year

Carmel Central School District recognizes the important relationship between class attendance and student performance. Students are expected to attend all scheduled classes and participate in their academic program.  

We recognize that illnesses may have contributed to some student absenteeism. With this in mind, please understand that it is the responsibility of the school district to communicate with our families regarding student attendance.  

Our attendance policy is supported by the New York State Department of Education which defines chronic absenteeism as missing 10 percent of school days; a total of 18 days throughout the school year. With our commitment to student success in mind, we are steadfast in our obligation to notify families of their child’s attendance to ensure that they are able to access their education.  

Attendance letters are mailed home periodically throughout the school year as another means to notify parents/guardians of their child’s attendance. These letters are informational and serve as a reminder that a student's success is in direct correlation to their attendance rates. All students of a compulsory age are required to be in school. If a student is absent due to illness, a parent note and/or doctor note is required for the absence to be deemed "excused." The chronic absenteeism definition of missing 18 days or more throughout the school year is regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused. 

Carmel Central School District is dedicated to the success of its students, and we would like to thank you for your continued support as we help shape our students and create a foundation where they can thrive.

Sincerely,

Dan Brown