At Conestoga Valley, we recognize the importance of regular attendance in school as a means of helping students achieve academic success. We want parents to be informed about state laws and district policies regarding attendance: please use the information provided below and this Attendance Brochure to stay informed about attendance practices and procedures.

 

*Building principals have the discretion to excuse up to 5 absences incurred because of family emergencies. Principals may ask for an explanation of the emergency. Excused absences due to family emergencies will be deducted from the 5 days of excused absences permitted under the vacations & trips provision of this policy.

Unexcused Absences

Any absence which is not covered under the definition of an excused absence is classified as unexcused. Absences shall be treated as unexcused until the district receives a written excuse explaining the absence to be submitted within three days of the absence. Habitual truancy due to unexcused absences is a summary offense addressed under the Pennsylvania Public School Code Compulsory Attendance Law amended by Act 138 of 2016. As such, penalties (i.e. a fine up to $750, a jail sentence up to three days, attendance at parenting classes, community services in the school district of up to six months) may be imposed against parents, guardians, and others responsible for truant children under the age of 17. In cases where the student is determined to be in violation of the compulsory attendance law, he/she/they will be subject to penalties (i.e. a fine up to $300, assignment to an adjudiation alternative program, driver's license suspension for 90 days, disposition as a dependent child). Referrals to Lancaster County Children and Youth Agency can be made for habitually truant students.

Tardy

Tardies are classified as excused/unexcused using the same criteria for general absences. Students arriving to their Block 1 class after 7:40 will be recorded as tardy. Arriving two (2) hours or more late will be recorded as a 1/2 day absence. Routine health care appointments are excused. Students will be permitted a maximum of four (4) unexcused tardies per year without penalty. Consequences begin for students who accrue additional unexcused tardies (over four). Students who are habitually tardy may be suspended from school or possibly assigned to the district's Alternative Learning Program. 

Early Dismissals

Early dismissals where students miss two (2) or more hours will be recorded as a half day absence. Otherwise, dismissals less than two (2) hours early will be recorded as early dismissals. Students will not be dismissed without written permission from their parent or guardian. Before leaving, and after returning, students must report to the attendance office.

Medical Appointments

Medical/dental appointments should not be scheduled during the instructional day whenever possible. When no other arrangements can be made, a note is to be submitted to the office in advance of the appointment. Students will not be excused without written permission. Before leaving, and after returning, students must report to the attendance office. Excused time will be limited to time for the appointment and normal travel time. Administration may restrict the time and number of these absences.

Excessive Absences

Seven (7) Day Letter: Notification that a student has had seven (7) cumulative absences during a school year. The letter is for information only.

Ten (10) Day Letter: Notification that a student has had 10 absences that were not excused by a doctor and now requires a physician's excuse for all subsequent absences.

Vacations and Trips

All trips and vacations are unexcused unless prior approval is obtained and the child is in the company of an adult for the entire time. With approval, a child may be given up to five (5) days of excused absences for trips and vacations. All additional days are unexcused. If, at the time the request is received, the student has accumulated three (3) or more unexcused absences, the request will be denied. Such travel requests might not be approved/excused for trips taking place during posted Keystone administration dates. Families must submit a Travel Form which is found below.

Haga clic aquí para una versión del español-Idioma de la política de la asistencia a la escuela.