Vertus Comprehensive Attendance Policy

1. The educational process requires a continuity of instruction, active classroom participation, and engaging with teachers and preceptors while in the lab to maximize the time spent on Edgenuity.
2. Students enhance their learning and character growth through interaction with their preceptors, teachers, and peers, which occurs through regular attendance.
3. Regular attendance is a significant component of academic success. It increases student achievement and reduces the potential for disciplinary problems.
4. Regular attendance prepares students for success in the job place and after high school in whatever they choose to do.

New York State Education Department defines chronic absenteeism as any students who miss 10% or more of the school year. (18 days or more) Vertus has developed a tier system that allows us to collaborate with students and their families before that level is reached. Each Tier has a series of possible interventions aligned with it to facilitate improved attendance best.

Tier 1 Interventions include but are not limited to:

• Preceptors communicate daily with families to establish a cause of absence and provide support if needed.
• Preceptors facilitate the navigation of any roadblock that may be hindering a student from attending, i.e., lack of uniform, transportation, etc.
• Preceptors may make an attendance expectation as a part of the student’s weekly goals.
• The Attendance Officer may communicate with families as needed if a pattern begins to develop.
• Teachers communicate with families and students concerning how their lack of attendance is impacting their class grades.
• A letter is sent home after the fifth absence.

Tier 2 interventions include but are not limited to:

• The Preceptor may conduct a home visit to provide support to the student and proactively plan for improved attendance.
• The Attendance Officer may conduct a home visit to establish a plan for improved attendance.
• The Family Engagement Coordinator may meet with the family to provide support by sharing techniques and community resources that may promote their child’s consistent daily attendance.
• Vertus may request a family conference at school with school leadership to discuss and create an attendance contract.
• Teachers communicate with families and students about their class grades and the possibility of passing the class.
• A letter is sent home after the 10th absence (chronic absenteeism)

Tier 3 interventions include but are not limited to:

• A letter is sent home after the 15th absence. (nearing severe chronic absenteeism)
• The Attendance Officer may conduct repeated home visits to provide support and help re-engage students in school.
• The Family Engagement Coordinator may meet with the family to aid in finding community resources that may benefit the family’s quest to ensure their son attends school consistently.
• Vertus may request a family conference at school to determine if enrollment at Vertus is in the best interest of the student.
• Child Protective Services may be contacted.
• The involuntary withdrawal of the student may occur after twenty consecutive absences.