The purpose of this article is to communicate the required attendance policy of Bridgewater Middle School with students, parents, teachers, and any other interested community members.
School attendance is ultimately the responsibility of the student and parent/guardian. The law requires compulsory school attendance to age 18. The attendance records of any student who accrues five (5) unexcused absences in a calendar month or ten (10) unexcused absences in 90 calendar days may be obtained by law enforcement or the State Attorney for review and possible intervention.
Due to Orange County School Board Policy, we are not able to excuse absences by phone. All absences are unexcused unless written documentation with a parent/guardian signature is received in the Attendance Office and the absence deemed excused according to the Absence Policy. A phone call is appreciated to notify the school your child will be absent, however it will not excuse the absence.
Upon return to school from an absence, a written note stating the student’s name, the date(s) of the absence, the reason, the parent/guardian signature, and at least one working telephone number must be submitted to the Attendance Office. The Attendance Clerk will determine whether the absence is excused or unexcused based on criteria set by the Orange County School Board. Based on criteria set by the Orange County School Board, excused absences for Bridgewater Middle School include the following:
Illness, injury or other insurmountable condition of the student.
- Illness or death of a family member of the student’s IMMEDIATE family (student’s brother, sister, parents).
- Recognized (or established) religious holidays and/or religious instruction.
- Medical appointments WITH A DOCTOR’S NOTE.
- Participation in an approved activity or class of instruction held at another site.
- A prearranged absence of educational value with the Principal's approval.
- Head lice infestation - up to four (4) days during the school year.
A Pre-Notification of Student Absence form should be completed for any student who will knowingly be absent for something other than illness. Please note that completion of a Pre-Notification of Student Absence form does not automatically ensure the absence will be excused; it is simply a way of notifying the school prior to the absence. Absences for illness lasting five (5) or more consecutive school days require a doctor’s note.
If you have any questions about the attendance policy, please contact your grade level office.
Quick Links
Extended Absence Request Form