Why Attendance is Crucial
Our Commitment to Student Success
At Hopkins Academy, we believe that regular attendance is essential for student success. Our policy emphasizes the importance of being present and punctual to ensure that students do not miss out on valuable learning opportunities. We understand that absences can occur, and we are here to support families in managing these situations effectively.
Our attendance policy is designed to encourage students to attend school regularly while providing guidance for handling unavoidable absences. We work closely with parents to address any challenges that may affect attendance, ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.
Phone
(413) 584-1106
Address
Hopkins Academy, 21 River Drive, Hadley, MA 01035
FAQs
How do I report my student absent?
- Daily Absence: Parents/guardians must call the main office (584-1106) by 7:20 am on the day of a student’s absence (or a tardy). If the office does not receive a phone call on the day of the absence (or tardy), the absence (or tardy) will be unexcused.
- Vacation: While it is highly discouraged and absences, if you are going on vacation when school is in session, parents/guardians need to inform the Principal and main office in writing of the dates in advance. Appropriate paperwork obtained from the office will then be completed in advance of the trip. Missed instructional time cannot be recovered and can negatively impact a student’s education. Vacations are not recommended during the school year.
What counts as an excused absence?
Students may be excused from school with documentation from parents/guardians. Family vacations taken on school days with prior written notification may be considered excused absences, but may lead to chronic absenteeism. If the students need to remain home from illness without documentation from a physician, parents/guardians should contact the school by phone the day a student will be out. Families may send a note on the student’s return to school.
A doctor’s note is required for any child who is absent for five (5) or more consecutive school days, and should be sent to the attention of the school nurse. Finally, other planned absences such as medical appointments, or for college or post-secondary education planning visits qualify as excused with parental notification.
What counts as an unexcused absence?
Students who fail to attend school without parental communication will have their absence considered unexcused. Such absences may be considered truancy.
How does my child make up missed classwork or assignments?
Work can be made up for any planned absence with prior written notice (minimum three days prior) including appointments or vacation taken during school time. When a parent/guardian calls a student in as absent for a planned absence the parents/guardian and student assume all responsibility for work missed, with the understanding that classroom participation and discussion cannot be duplicated.
For a planned trip, Parents/Guardians must notify the office and complete the appropriate paperwork; all other planned absences (e.g. a college visit) can be notified to the office and teachers via email. Understand that teachers are under no obligation to provide special help, classes, or tutoring. For any planned trip that is not documented in advance, there is no obligation that a student is able to make up the work provided during that time.
Medical and dental appointments should be scheduled during a time when school is not in session or during after school hours. If appointments must be made when school is in session, students are expected to attend school before dismissal and after they return.
When a student is sick, the parent/guardian must notify the office, and the student must email the teacher to identify work to be made up. The student must then follow the teacher’s policy for make-up work while out sick.
Where does a student check in when arriving late?
The main office.
Can my student lose credit due to a high number of absences?
Press here to check out this video from Principal Camuso to learn more!