If a student has been absent from school, he or she must bring a written excuse from home explaining the absence.

Parents should phone the school nurse at the elementary school (518-629-3402) or the attendance officer at the high school (518-629-3301) by 10:00 a.m. on the first day of the absence.

Excused absences are personal illness, illness or death in the family, health treatment appointment, required appearance in court, religious observation, a pre-approved college visit, impassable roads or inclement weather, or an approved cooperative work program. Written excuses are required by law for all children.

The NYS Department of Education considers the following absences unexcused: “visiting,” “away,” “overslept,” “helping at home,” or “missed the bus.”

A student who must leave school because of sudden illness or other reasons must report to the nurse’s office or the main office. If a student wishes to be excused during the day, he or she must present a note from a parent or guardian stating the reason for leaving; all Watervliet Junior-Senior High School parents will be called to verify the note.