Schools Ask Families to Review Attendance Policies
Refreshments following the ride to Wildwood School. Bike to school day, October 4, 2023. Photo: Toni Cunningham
Source: Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Districts
The Amherst, Pelham, and Amherst-Pelham Regional School Districts are reminding all families to review attendance protocols as part of ongoing efforts to support student learning and success.
Families are asked to report all student absences as soon as possible, ideally no later than the start of school on the day a student will be out. Reporting an absence ensures schools can confirm a student’s safety and understand why they are not in class.
It is important to note that reporting an absence does not automatically make it excused. School officials review each absence to determine whether it meets state and district guidelines. Absences that are generally considered excusable include:
● Illness or medical appointments
● Court appearances
● Death in the immediate family
● Religious observances
● College visits (up to three per year)
Absences that do not meet these criteria, even when reported, are recorded as unexcused. Regular attendance is critical to student learning, and schools monitor absences to provide additional support when needed.
Families with questions about whether an absence may be excused, or who are experiencing challenges that affect attendance, are encouraged to contact their school’s main office.
School Contact Information:
School contact information:
● Amherst Regional High School ○ Main Office (Questions): 413-362-1700
○ Attendance Line (Absences): 413-362-1718
● Summit Academy ○ Main Office: 413-362-1729
○ Attendance Line (Absences): 413-362-1729
● Amherst Regional Middle School ○ Main Office: 413-362-1800 \
○ Attendance Line (Absences): 413-362-1984
● Amherst Early Education Center (Pre-K) ○ Main Office: 413-362-1610
● Crocker Farm Elementary ○ Main Office: 413-362-1600
○ Attendance Line (Absences): 413-362-1659
● Fort River Elementary ○ Main Office: 413-362-1200
○ Attendance Line (Absences): 413-362-1201
● Wildwood Elementary ○ Main Office: 413-362-1400
○ Attendance Line (Absences): 413-362-1401
● Pelham Elementary ○ Main Office: 413-362-1100
○ Attendance Line (Absences): 413-362-1198
By adhering to these guidelines, families help ensure a safe, supportive, and academically successful environment for all students.