Attendance Rules Stand Regardless of Mode

Milton Area School District’s student attendance policies remain the same as previous years. Students must attend classes regardless of the educational option they have chosen, according to administration. 

When a student does not attend school and does not call or present a doctor’s excuse, the absence is considered unlawful, said High School Secretary Ms. Heather Hetrick.  

Students have up to three days to turn in an excuse after their absence, Ms. Hetrick added.    

“Technically, you are not permitted to miss any days without a valid excuse, or it is considered unlawful,” said high school Co-Principal Mr. Michael Bergey.    

“Students are expected to be in class and on time regardless of their selected educational option,” added Mr. Bergey.  

Students receive an attendance letter from the school after each unlawful absence, added Ms. Hetrick.  

According to Mr. Bergey, when students start accumulating multiple unlawful days the following can happen: “(A) Student Attendance Improvement Plan is implemented, Northumberland Count Children and Youth and Juvenile Probation are notified, Pennsylvania Truancy Elimination Plan (PTEP) meeting conducted through Northumberland County and a potential citation through our local magistrate.” 

  Students attending virtual classes who are having technology or internet issues will not be penalized if a parent calls to explain the issue, and attempts to resolve it, said Ms. Hetrick.  

According to Milton Area School District’s Superintendent Dr. Cathy Keegan, the percentage of students that are truant not only in Milton Area School District but across the state is alarming.  

“None of us (the local school leadership) can define the significant differences in student attendance but we do acknowledge that the pandemic has uniquely impacted people in many different ways,” said Dr. Keegan. 

Overall, the high school’s daily attendance is about the same as last year’s at this time, with obvious differences because of students attending virtually, said Mr. Bergey.