Regular school attendance is critical for student success. At Boerum Hill School for International Studies (BHS), we aim to foster a culture of responsibility and support to ensure every student benefits from the educational opportunities provided. This policy complies with NYC Department of Education regulations, ensuring equity and accountability in tracking student attendance. For additional details, please visit NYC DOE Attendance Policies.

1. Daily Attendance
   • Students are expected to attend school every day and arrive on time. Attendance is recorded for every class period, with official school attendance taken during Period 1 within the first 5 minutes of class. 
   • If your student is absent or not on time for school, which begins at 9:00 AM, they will be marked absent, and families will receive a phone call around 11:00 AM. Attendance is monitored throughout the day, and adjustments will be made if your student was marked absent during Period 1.If your student arrives late to school and misses the official school attendance recording, you will receive the automated call. 
   • Please note that when students swipe in during morning entry, this is not considered the official record of school attendance. It serves as an additional tool for monitoring students’ movement within the school building.
2. Lateness
   • Students arriving after 9:50 a.m. must check in with School Safety. School Safety will notify the main office, and a member of the BHS staff will escort the student to the main office to sign in and obtain a late pass for class. The late pass should be given to the teacher so they are able to accurately record the attendance. 
3. Absences
   • All absences, whether excused or unexcused, must be documented.
   • As per NYCSA policy, excused absences include religious observance, medical appointments, family emergencies, or court appearances. Documentation (e.g., a note from a parent, guardian, or doctor) must be submitted to the main office within three days of the student’s return to school. See more information in the FAQ section. 

FAQs Attendance 

What is the NYCPS policy for excused and unexcused absences? The New York City Department of Education (DOE) allows excused absences for religious, medical, or emergency reasons. Excused absences are still considered absences and appear on a student’s record. Excused absence guidelines (Note: If a child stays home because they are not well and are not taken to the doctor, the absence will not be excused.)

• Religious reasons: A parent can request an excused absence in writing before the observance. 
• Medical reasons: A doctor’s note is required for absences of three or more days. 
• Emergency reasons: A family emergency is a reason for an excused absence. 
• Planned absences: A meeting with student’s guidance counselor and Assistant Principal or Principal. 

How should family members communicate absences? Families can report absences by calling the main office at 718-330-9390, emailing the Pupil Accounting Secretary at cfowle2@schools.nyc.gov and the Parent Coordinator at abest12@schools.nyc.gov, or sending a written note from doctor or family member with the student upon their return.

When my student is absent from school, how do they receive the classwork that they missed? Students with excused absences are responsible for completing any missed assignments. Teachers will provide reasonable opportunities for students to catch up on their work. If a student is absent, they should email their teachers and check the Toddle platform to access the assignments and materials for the day.

What is the criteria for my student to participate in attendance rewards and incentives? Students without unexcused absences and without lateness to school will be able to participate in attendance rewards and incentives. 

What is the late policy? We strongly encourage students to arrive at school by 8:40 AM to allow sufficient time to transition smoothly into the day. This includes having breakfast, socializing, and accessing their lockers. Students are expected to be seated in their first-period class by 9:00 AM, as this is when official attendance is recorded. Punctuality is essential to ensure a productive and successful start to the school day.