We at JW Leary Junior High School believe that consistent attendance at school is imperative to attain a thorough and complete education. It is important that students be in school on time each day in order to be presented with academic material that will help them grow as a student. We also recognize that there are circumstances in a child’s life that may require them to miss school occasionally. These tardies or absences are understandable and accepted as long as the occurrence doesn’t become frequent.

It is a school-wide goal at JW Leary Junior High School to improve student attendance. In order for parents to assist us with this school-wide goal, we ask that parents make every effort to schedule family vacations during our school breaks. In addition, we ask that parents schedule students’ doctor’s appointments after school as much as possible. When students are signed out of school early, they miss valuable instructional time and could begin to fall behind academically when leaving early becomes excessive.

School starts at 7:30 AM. Students who arrive in their classrooms after these times are reported to the main office as tardy for school. Absences are identified by a student being out of school for an entire day. Both of these attendance measures are forwarded to a database where we keep track of attendance for each child. When a student is absent from school, the nurse’s office will call the child’s home to make sure that the parent is aware of the child’s absence in order to ensure the child’s safety.

The expectation at JW Leary Junior High School is that parents will forward, in writing, a note that includes the date(s), student’s name and explanation of absence or that parents will complete this Form. We keep these notes on file in the office. 

Each week an attendance check is done on all of our children. In addition to sending attendance information with progress reports and report cards additional letters may be sent if problems arise.

Below you will find the schedule for school communication when attendance issues become concerning for a child’s progress:

• more than 10% of days absent; this will be determined in two week intervals;
• anytime the child is absent over 3 consecutive days without school knowledge ahead of time

In both instances, if a parent fails to meet or talk with the school and/or if continued attendance issues persist, an outside agency referral will be made.

It is important that students be in school on time each day in order to be presented with academic material that will help them grow as a student. We also recognize that there are circumstances in a child’s life that may require them to miss school occasionally. These tardies or absences are understandable and accepted as long as the occurrence doesn’t become frequent.

NOTE: Medical documentation from a doctor supersedes this protocol.

Reporting Absences

If your child is going to be absent from school, please call the school by 9:00 A.M. on the immediate day and report the reason for his/her absence. An absence excuse must still be sent from home when your child returns to school. Please remember that regular and punctual attendance is essential for the optimum growth and development of students.

For ease of your school communication, you may also use our Form. 

Here is the JW Leary 2021-2022 School Attendance Plan. The plan will be updated on a regular basis.