Providing a quality education is one of the chief goals of BCS. As this depends on regular class attendance, the following policies have been adopted by the BCS School Committee:

1. Parents of students in grades K - 8 must call the school office before 9:00 AM if their child will not be coming to school on any particular day.  It is fine to leave a voice mail message on the school answering machine.
   
   
2. Students who are absent from school must submit a written excuse, signed by a parent/legal guardian, on the day of the student’s return to school. If a note does not come within three days, the school attendance record will permanently reflect an unexcused absence after this time.  This note should indicate the reason for and the date(s) of the absence.  Please also note that phone calls to the school office notifying staff of a child’s absence that day do NOT replace the need for a written note when the student returns. 
   
   
3. A doctor's note will be required for any absence over five (5) consecutive days, or for any contagious illness or condition.
   
   
4. Absences, tardiness, and early departures will be considered excused or unexcused according to the following standards:  Excused:  illness, death in the family, emergency (please specify), impassible roads due to inclement weather or accidents, medical appointments that cannot be rescheduled at other times, and high school visitations by 8th graders.  Unexcused:  any other circumstance not approved by school officials, or absence without a written note.
   
   
5. If a student is going to be absent from school for reasons other than illness (i.e., medical or academic testing, extended family vacations, etc.) the parents should notify the school in writing as far in advance of the absence as possible.
   
   
6. All students are expected to abide by all state laws and school regulations regarding school attendance as well at other state laws and regulations regarding education.  Parents/guardians should make every effort to see that a student is present every day that school is in session.  Absences disrupt the continuity of instruction and education cannot be entirely regained, even by extra after school help.  Learning gained through interaction with peers and staff in class cannot be duplicated.
   
   
7. Any student who is absent may not participate in any after school activities.
   
   
8. If a student has more than five (5) absences in a quarter, this may jeopardize his/her academic standing.  The parents may be asked to meet with the Principal to discuss the situation and any possible ramifications.  In addition, a child that is absent for 20 days during the school year will cause his or her school record to be reviewed, and may jeopardize his/her academic standing.  A determination will be made whether dismissal is warranted due to lack of attendance.  In addition, the appropriate city attendance officer may be contacted to report excessive absences, to comply with state law. 
   
   
9. Any student arriving after 8:05 AM must use the front entrance and report to the school office for a late slip before entering the classroom.  All tardiness (excused or unexcused) must be recorded for state records.  Tardiness will be excused if due to late vans, motor vehicle problems or medical emergencies.  Getting to school on time is an important cooperative effort for the whole family. 
   
   
10. Any student arriving after 11:00 AM or departing before 11:00 AM will be marked absent for the day.
    
    
11. Being consistently tardy is a hindrance to academic progress and will not be tolerated.   Students in grades 4 – 8 who accumulate three unexcused tardies will receive a detention.   After the fourth tardy, each infraction will result in a detention for the student.   If a problem arises, a conference with the principal, parents, and student may be required.  This policy was approved by the BCS School Board.

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