The educational program at Wilbur Cross High School creates an atmosphere in which intellectual freedom and student responsibility are important parts of the educational process. Attendance is essential and is the responsibility of both the parents and the student. When a student is not in class, there is no opportunity to contribute their thoughts or theories to the class or to exchange ideas with the teacher.

When students attend school regularly, they are likely to experience higher academic achievement and build positive peer relationships. Regular school attendance also helps reduce the risk of involvement in the juvenile justice system. Additionally, regular school attendance increases the likelihood of high school graduation, which then empowers students to plan for college or careers.

Wilbur Cross doors open at 7:05a.m. for students to eat breakfast. Classes begin promptly at 7:30a.m. and end at 2:00p.m. Students must enter through the main atrium doors and wait in the atrium or cafeteria. No student should be in any other area of the building without permission prior to 7:20a.m. Students not involved in co-curricular activities or not supervised by a school staff member must leave the building at 2:00p.m.

CT State Law (C.G.S. 10‐184) says, in part, it is the duty of each parent/guardian to ensure that their child regularly attends a public school when school is in session. When students have too many absences that are unexcused, they may be considered truant. A student is truant when they have 4 unexcused daily absences in one month or 10 unexcused daily absences within one school year. 

Due to a change in state law in August 2017 (Public Act 16‐147), youth will no longer be referred to court if they are truant from school. Interventions through the school are used to encourage school attendance, but parents/guardians remain responsible for the attendance of their school age children.

An absence shall be considered “excused” when a student does not attend school due to one of the reasons listed below and the student submits documentation within 10 days for absences 1 to 9 days from a parent or guardian.

Valid excused absences are:

1.    Illness or injury with verification from physician

2.    Death in the immediate family

3.    Religious obligation

4.    Court appearance (court documentation should be obtained)

5.    School sponsored activity

6.    An emergency or other exceptional circumstance (approved by an administrator)

7.    Out of school suspension

8.    Lack of transportation that is provided by the District

Parents/Guardians must submit written documentation from a physician for excused absences within ten (10) days after a student returns to school. Because documentation is so important the following information must be included:

9.    Student’s full name, ID number

10. Student’s grade

11. Date(s) and reason(s) for the absence

12. Parent/Guardian’s phone number for confirmation

13. In the case of illness, note from a physician

Documentation can be dropped off in the Main Office or emailed to Isabelle.Firine@new-haven.k12.ct.us

     Only a parent/guardian listed in PowerSchool may request an early dismissal. The parent/guardian must send in a letter with a phone number for verification or must personally come to the school to sign the student out. If the parent is not coming to the building, a call will be made to verify the early dismissal. Parents and/or other caretakers must be listed in PowerSchool and will be asked to present identification before a student is released to them. Tokens and/or bus passes will not be issued.

Students who become ill during the school day may be excused by the school nurse. Transportation must be arranged by the parent/guardian. Standard procedures for early release will apply.

Parents must make sure that students arrive at school no later than 7:20a.m. each school day. Students will not be allowed to enter school after 9:00a.m. without a written note or unless they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. All notes must include:

1. Date

2. Student’s Name

3. Student ID Number

4. Grade

5. Reason for being tardy

6. Phone number where the parent/guardian can be reached for confirmation

Any student arriving after 10:00a.m. will be marked absent for the day. Parents must provide a note about their absence within 10 days. Students who are continually late for school, even with parental permission, may face discipline or other actions.