Attendance
Attendance at Leonia Public Schools
Why Attendance Matters
Academic Achievement
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time, and pursue higher education opportunities. In fact, students with an attendance rate of 95% or higher are more likely to earn A's and B's.
Social and Emotional Development
School provides a supportive environment where students can develop social skills, build friendships, and enhance their emotional well-being. What’s more, irregular attendance by 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.
Future Success
Did you know that students with regular attendance are 1.7 times more likely to achieve proficiency? Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.
Attendance Tips
Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can.
Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home. If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator.
Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning. If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal.
Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours. Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience.
School Absence Notification Procedures
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How to Report an Absence: A parent or guardian must report absences by 8:35 AM.
Before 8:35 AM: Submit via the Genesis Parent Portal for same-day reporting.
After 8:35 AM: Call the main office or email acsattendance@leoniaschools.org with your child’s name, teacher/grade, and reason for absence.
Extended Absences: The school nurse may reach out for additional medical details if an illness requires an extended absence.Tardiness & Early Dismissal:
Late Arrivals: Students arriving after 9:00 AM must report directly to the main office.
Early Release: Parents must report to the main office to sign out their child prior to the end of the school day.Attendance Tracking & Notifications:
Parents will be notified by telephone and mail regarding excessive or unexcused absences, tardies, or early departures.
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Regular and on-time attendance is vital for academic success. To support student learning, Leonia Middle School relies on families to prioritize daily attendance. The State considers more than 15 absences per year below college and career readiness standards. Parents will receive monthly notifications regarding excessive absences and tardies.
A student may be excused from school for such causes as disabling illness, recovery from an accident, required court appearance, death in the family, and/or religious observance upon receipt of verification from the parent/guardian detailing the reason(s). Documentation of the nature and causes of absences shall be the responsibility of the student and the parent/guardian.
Excused Absences & Required Documentation:
Qualifying Reasons: Absences are eligible for excused status only for disabling illness, injury recovery, required court appearances, family deaths, or religious observances.
Mandatory Verification: Absences will not be excused without official documentation. Parents and students are strictly responsible for providing formal proof (e.g., doctor's notes, court summons) to substantiate the reason for the absence.How to Report an Absence:
Before 8:15 AM: Submit via the Genesis Parent Portal using the Parent Attendance Notes feature.
After 8:15 AM: Call the main office attendance mailbox with your child’s name, grade, and reason for absence.
Upon Return: Students must bring a written explanation note and supporting documentation to their homeroom teacher or the main office immediately upon returning.
Unreported Absences: If an absence is not reported by the 8:15 AM deadline, the Attendance Office will call home to verify the student's whereabouts.
Activity & Athletic Restrictions: Students who are absent or serving a suspension (in-school or out-of-school) are strictly prohibited from participating in any school activities or athletics on that day.
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How to Report an Absence: A parent or guardian must report absences by 8:30 AM.
Before 8:00 AM: Submit via the Genesis Parent Portal using the Parent Attendance Notes feature.
After 8:00 AM (or for Religious Holidays): Call the Attendance Office directly at 201-302-5200, ext. 5204. Religious holiday absences require advance notice.Unreported Absences: If an absence is not reported by 8:30 AM, the Attendance Office will call home to verify the student's whereabouts.
Arrival & Homeroom: Students arriving late must sign in at the Attendance Office or attend homeroom. Going directly to class without doing so results in being marked absent for the full day.
Make-Up Work: Students are responsible for contacting their teachers to request and schedule make-up work or quizzes.
Extracurricular & Athletic Eligibility: Students must arrive at school by 10:30 AM to participate in same-day after-school activities or athletics. Leaving school early forfeits participation for that day unless approved in advance by administration.
