Attendance Information

• When a student is absent from school, a written legal excuse (signed by a parent or guardian) is required.
• Parents/Guardians are encouraged to submit absence excuses through the Sapphire Community Parent Portal
  • Once you are in your student's portal page, choose “Student Data Forms” on the left-hand side of the screen
  • Choose “Student Absence Excuse” and complete this form for your student's absence
• Written excuses can still be handed in to the Attendance Office secretary in the Main Office of the High School. 
• Students who attend Lehigh Career Technical Institute are expected to return a separate excuse to LCTI for their absences.
• If excuses are not received within three school days, the day will be recorded as Unlawful (ages under 18) or Unexcused (ages 18+). 

Please review this Step-by-Step Flow Chart for questions about how to submit an Excuse for a student absence to school. 

The following reasons, as found in Chapter 11 – Pupil Attendance – of the Regulations of the State Board of Education of Pennsylvania, are the only reasons for an approved temporary absence from school

• Illness
• Quarantine
• Required court attendance
• Death in the immediate family
• Violent weather
• Educational tours and trips
• State emergency
• Health care by a licensed physician
• Family Emergency (so designated by the school administration) 

• A written request from the parent or guardian must be presented to the assistant principal stating the reason for an early dismissal or late arrival
  • Please note: A physician’s excuse stating that the student was seen at the attending physician’s office is required upon the student’s return to school.
  • Official physician and dental appointment cards will be honored
  • This request must be submitted prior to first period on the day of the appointment. 
  • Parental notes for doctor excuses must include a date and time of appointment.
• Students who arrive after 9:15 A.M. will be considered absent for one half (1/2) day.
• Students leaving school before 1:07 P.M. will be considered absent for one half (1/2) day.
•  As a result of new state regulations, students attending less than 50% (arrival after 10:36 A.M. – departure before 11:51 A.M.) of the instructional day will be recorded as a “Partial Day” which will count as a full day of absence. The following attendance codes have been added: PAE – Partial Excused and PAU - Partial Unexcused. 

• If a student is not seated, ready to learn, in their Block 1 class by 7:45 AM, the student must sign in at the attendance office and will be marked as being tardy to school.
• Students may arrive tardy to school twice without disciplinary consequences.
• A third tardy will result in a warning, and a fourth will result in appropriate disciplinary action.
• Lateness due to illness must be verified by parental or physician note only.
• Entry to school after 9:15 AM constitutes a ½ day absence
• Leaving school before 1:07 PM constitutes a ½ day absence

Consistent attendance is a cornerstone of student success. Our "Tigers Miss 10 or Less" initiative encourages every student to miss no more than ten (10) school days per academic year, excluding absences excused by a doctor's note. This program highlights the vital role that daily presence plays in academic achievement, social development, and overall well-being. By working together, students, families, and staff can ensure our Tigers are in class, engaged, and thriving. Students who meet this important benchmark will be recognized for their commitment to being present and engaged in learning!