Attendance Guidelines

As stated in the Pittsfield Public School Student/Parent Handbook, regular school attendance is essential to the total education of the student. Punctual arrival at school and at each classroom activity is essential to minimize disruptions, promote a positive class climate and maximize time on learning. It is a joint responsibility of the staff of the Pittsfield Public Schools and parents/guardians to encourage students to take school attendance seriously. In the interest of promoting school attendance, provisions shall be established for commending students for exemplary attendance.

We encourage parents to schedule dental, physical, and other appointments during non-school hours, whenever possible. The scheduling of family vacations during times when school is in session is discouraged and will be marked as an unexcused absence. Teachers are not required to prepare work for students who miss school because of a family vacation.

Reporting Absences

If your child will be absent from school, we ask that you call the school (448-9660) to inform us of the absence. We will need the following information (which may be left on the school’s answering machine if the absence is called in before the office is open):

  • Your child’s name

  • Your child’s teacher

  • The reason for the absence