Superintendent of
Perry Township Schools
There are some fundamental traits that we want our students to embrace when they walk across the stage at graduation.
No matter how good the product is that an employee delivers, there are some basic tenants that all employers look for in an employee. Being on time and at work every day are qualities that are valued in the workplace.
There is one thing for certain, if the child is not in school, you lose that personal touch and immediate response, which can’t be replaced without being there at their desk. Attendance is vital!
We are committed to an attendance program that promotes an appreciation among students for the benefits associated with attending school regularly and punctually. Attendance is a skill that empowers students to develop academically, socially and behaviorally. It is our belief that supporting students in developing this skill will promote lifelong habits necessary for successful employment and productivity.
The attendance program at every school should include rewards for positive attendance as well as intervention and consequences for excessive absence. Attendance is critical during high-stakes testing such ISTEP+, IREAD-3, ECA tests and Advance Placement exams. Parents are encouraged not to make appointments for their students during those testing periods.
When you analyze the data for Perry Township Schools, you see an important, positive trend. The staff is proud that our attendance rate has increased each year over the past seven years.
Here are our numbers since 2007-08:
• 2007-08 – 94.7 percent.
• 2008-09 – 95 percent.
• 2009-10 – 95.2 percent.
• 2010-11 – 95.8 percent.
• 2012-13 – 95.9 percent.
• 2013-14 – 96.1 percent.
• 2014-15 – 97 percent
At the elementary, academy and middle schools, excessive absence is defined as six unexcused days per year. At high school it is defined as 10 or more absences in any class.
Excused absences at the elementary, academy and middle school level:
• Personal illness (a doctor’s note may be requested after three consecutive days of illness or an extended number of absences).
• Family bereavement, out-of-school suspension.
• Unusual occurrence approved by principal.
The following are absences not counted by Indiana law:
• Serving as a page in the Indiana General Assembly.
• Participating in service by a high school student as a helper for a political party or candidate on election day (documentation required).
• Participating on the precinct election board.
• Subpoenaed to appear in court (summons required).
• Active duty with the Indiana National Guard or Indiana wing of civil air patrol
• Participating in school-sponsored activities
• Certain participation in the Indiana State Fair.
High school juniors and seniors are granted two college visits per year. Student requesting additional college visits can submit a request in writing to the guidance department. Freshmen and sophomores can request a college visit by submitting a written request to the department. Approved college visits are not counted as an absence.
The balanced calendar affords students the opportunity to visit several college campuses without missing class while giving them time to complete college applications and attend ACT/SAT prep courses.
In addition to student attendance expectation, we also encourage the consistent attendance of our staff: bus drivers, cafeteria workers, teachers, support staff and administrators. Children thrive and depend on routine and familiar people in their educational school home. Research clearly shows that teacher absenteeism does affect student achievement. It is our desire to have every teacher at school every day.
Thanks to our parents who ensure that their children attend school on a regular basis, and thank you to our staff, which compassionately serves 15,000 students. Thanks to our community, which entrusts their children under our care.