Student Attendance

MISS A DAY, MISS A LOT!

Dear ACCS Parent/Guardian:

As an educational leader who is charged with the responsibility of enforcing state mandates, it is my duty to stress the importance of daily attendance in school especially during these trying times.

Missing a few days of school may seem insignificant or “not a big deal” to some parents. This cannot be further from the truth. In fact, beginning in 2012, the New Jersey Department of Education began allocating state funding based on an average rate of daily attendance. With a target rate of 96.5 percent average daily attendance, any child who accumulates more than six (6) absences (excused and unexcused) falls below this desired attendance rate.

  • It is difficult for young people to learn if they are not in class or online regularly.

  • The teaching-learning process builds upon itself. Day to day attendance matters.

  • A child who misses a day of school also misses a day of education which cannot be retrieved.

  • Children who attend school regularly are more likely to be successful during their school years and beyond.

  • Attendance is a habit. Build good habits and OUR students will have success in their chosen occupation.

At Atlantic Community Charter School, we pride ourselves on employing the best and brightest teachers and staff to deliver daily, high-quality instruction to your children. Students who miss school miss out on active learning experiences, class participation, and the ability to ask questions and experience “teachable moments” that arise within the course of a day. They are more likely to fall behind and subsequently, they are more likely to disengage and even drop out.

Teaching our children to value education is essential. If parents believe that consistent attendance is important and communicate that belief to their children regularly, unnecessary absences from school can be dramatically reduced. In an ever-challenging world, having every student every day present and ready to learn is an important step to provide them with the skills and knowledge that they will need to thrive and flourish beyond graduation.

I appreciate your assistance as parents in placing value in our school’s attendance policy and your ongoing support of our school and educational mission.

Steven C. DiMatteo
Principal/Director of Special Education