Dear Mount Greylock Regional School Families,

As we settle into the new school year and enjoy the beginning of the fall season, we want to take a moment to welcome everyone back and share a few important reminders about attendance. 

Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in student success, and we appreciate your partnership in helping students start each day ready to learn!

🍂 Attendance Reminders

School Hours:
Students should be at school each day from 7:40 AM–2:30 PM. Our first bell rings at 7:40 AM, and students should be in the building and ready to begin their day.

Student Drop-Off Reminder: Students should only be dropped off in the designated drop-off area, not in the bus loop. Cars in the bus loop may be ticketed. Doors open at 7:25 AM, so please drop off your student and continue on to help keep traffic moving. We highly encourage students who are able to take the bus to do so, as this helps reduce traffic and congestion during arrival. 

Late Arrival:
Students arriving late must check in at the Main Office. Students who drive to school should plan to arrive around 7:30 AM to allow enough time to park and enter the building before the start of the school day.

Absences and Course Credit:
Regular attendance is essential. Students may not miss more than:

• 9 days in a semester-long course, or

• 18 days in a year-long course

Excessive absences may result in the loss of credit for classes as well as good standing. Students with significant attendance concerns will also be required to participate in attendance meetings. Continued attendance concerns may also result in a CRA filing with the Northern Berkshire Juvenile Court. Families are notified daily of a student’s absence via robo call and can check attendance records using Power School. 

If your student needs to be out of school for an extended period of time, they must meet with their school counselor in advance so that we can work together to make an appropriate plan.

In order to be eligible for a student activity after the completion of the school day (sport, performance, club, etc.), students must be present for at least five consecutive academic periods. Students cannot have an unexcused dismissal or have been dismissed by the school nurse.  An exception to this expectation will be made for students who have a medical appointment lasting less than three periods (with a note from a physician) or are observing religious obligations for a portion of the day.  A waiver of the attendance policy can be obtained (at least 24 hours prior)  for some non-medical appointments, medical appointments lasting longer than three periods, and other special circumstances, as long as an attempt has been made to be in school for a majority of the day.  

Excused Absences:
Medical absences may only be excused with appropriate documentation from a medical provider. Other excused absences may include documented college visits, religious holidays, bereavement, court appointments, military appointments, and other obligations approved by administration, as outlined in the Student Handbook. 

⏰ Tardiness

Being on time matters! School expectations regarding tardiness are:

• 4 tardies in a quarter: After-school detention

• 6 tardies: Social probation for two weeks

Additionally, students involved in co-curricular activities should be aware that a combination of 8 unexcused tardies or absences in a season will result in a missed contest (for athletes) and one week of missed rehearsals (for those involved in a performance).

🌙 A Healthy Routine Makes a Difference

One of the best ways to help students get to school on time is to establish a consistent evening routine. A good night's sleep is key! We encourage students to put away electronics at least 30 minutes before bedtime and give themselves plenty of time to rest and recharge for the next day.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support. We are excited for the year ahead and look forward to a wonderful fall filled with learning, growth, and connection. Together, we can help every student make the most of their time at Mt. Greylock!

Warmly,

Samantha Rutz
Assistant Principal
Mount Greylock Regional School