Attendance Information

As we near the end of the first semester, we are as committed as ever to learner-centered teaching, an approach that nurtures full student engagement in their learning process. Prompt arrival to class and daily attendance provide the best opportunity for student success. This year we returned to our pre-COVID attendance policy, which does not include an “Excused Absence” designation.

Nothing has changed regarding our attendance policy since the beginning of the school year. However, the Attendance Detail report that has been available via My ESJ does not report student absences in alignment with our policy and has created confusion. While we work with Veracross to create a report that is reflective of our policies, this data will not be available via the portal. 

Attendance and Absence Policies are outlined in Section III of the Student-Parent Handbook and excerpted in part below:

“An absence is defined as not being present in class, Advisory, Chapel, and assemblies.

Exceptions to this include: school-sponsored events, religious holidays, approved college visits for Juniors and Seniors (maximum of three school days each school year), injury or death of an immediate family member, or extended medical absences.

If a student is absent eight days or more in one class in a semester, then the student is eligible for up to a full grade reduction (i.e. A- to B-). If a student has an excessive number of absences in a semester, then the student may not receive credit for the course.”

If the school has a concern regarding a student’s attendance, the Student Life team will contact the parents. Parents in need of attendance information may contact the Office of Student Life at [email protected] for assistance.