Attendance Policy

Absence 

Regular attendance is considered essential for learning at St. Margaret School. Students need to develop the work habits and responsibilities required of all of us as we go through life. A parent/legal guardian must telephone the school offices when a student is absent from school. Call the Middle School Office at 410-877-9660 or email Mrs. Schafer pschafer@smsch.org  between 7:15 am and 8:30 am or the Elementary School Office at 410-8879-1113 or email Mrs. Currey scurrey@smsch.org between 7:30 am and 8:30 am to report the reason for absence. All absences and tardiness become part of a student’s permanent record. Absence from school during the academic year due to family vacations is strongly discouraged. Missed work and assignments may only be obtained upon return. Students who are absent from school may not participate in any after-school or evening school-sponsored events such as sports, dances, etc. When he/she returns to school, the student must bring a written note to his/her homeroom teacher signed by a parent/legal guardian stating the reason for absence. The school reserves the right to require a doctor’s note for absences due to illness or injury or the need for assessment/evaluation. A child may not return to school until he/she is well enough to participate in all school activities. If a student will be out of school for an extended period, whether continuous or intermittent, parents should consult with the administration regarding appropriate support of the student in fulfilling the school curriculum or alternative arrangements such as home and hospital services through the local public school district.

Truancy

Truancy is defined as a student absenting him/herself from school without parent/legal guardian permission or leaving school grounds without permission during the school day. Truancy may result in disciplinary action up to and including suspension or expulsion.

Lateness/Assignments

Lateness/Assignments Middle School students may enter their homerooms at 7:30 am. Elementary School students may enter their homerooms at 7:55 am. The school day begins at 7:47 am at the Middle School and 8:10 am at the Elementary School. Any student arriving after 7:47 am at the Middle School and 8:10 am at the Elementary School is considered late and must report to the office for a late slip. Middle School students need to report to their homeroom by 7:45 am to be considered present. Tardiness is entered on a student’s permanent record. The student must check with the homeroom teacher to receive the necessary communication or work that may have been missed due to lateness.

Early Departure/Late Arrivals

The school discourages early departures and requests that families arrange medical and dental appointments, etc., after school hours, on early dismissal days, or during vacation periods. Check the calendar for days when school is not in session.