Policies and Regulations

Attendance Policy

Good attendance is essential for success at school. Every effort should be made to be in class each day that school is in session.

The following are the only reasons that a student will be excused from school: illness, death in immediate family, religious holidays, health care appointments, educational family trips, urgent family reasons, court appearances.

Students who are absent must bring a signed note from a parent or guardian upon returning to school. Excuse notes must be received within three school days.

Advance approval for an educational trip must be obtained at least one week in advance from school administration otherwise it will be considered an unexcused absence.

Late Openings & Emergency Closings

Serious weather conditions or other emergencies may make it necessary to close schools or delay the opening of school. In those cases, announcements will be made on local radio stations. On the Philadelphia radio stations Avon Grove's number is 859.

Other local stations that announce school closing by name are: WCOJ 1420 AM, WCHE 1520 AM, WNRK 1260 AM, WDEL 1150 AM, WJBR 99.5 FM, and WSTW 93.7 FM.

Transportation

The district through Swish-Trans and DuVall bus companies provides school bus transportation. Pick-up and drop-off sites and times are posted at each school one-week before the start of the new school year. Good behavior is expected while riding the bus. A separate bus discipline policy is available on request and is reviewed in school at the start of each year.

After the first two weeks of school, bus passes are written for students to go home with friends on different busses, when space is available. A note from home must be sent to school from each parent giving permission for the change in schedule. Bus passes are not given for birthday party transportation.

Registration Procedures

Transfers

Call individual schools to schedule a registration appointment. Students transferring from another district will be tested for placement. Please provide the name and address of the previous school and/or school records. A child's birth certificate or official verification of birthdate, proof of residency, and immunization records are required when registering new students.

New Kindergarten/First Grade Students

Each spring the elementary schools hold special registration sessions for new kindergarten and first grade students. Call the schools in February to request a registration packet.

The required immunizations are 4 DPT (with the fourth dose given on or after the fourth birthday) and 3 Polio, and two each Measles, Rubella (German Measles) and Mumps (the last three given no earlier than twelve months of age). Incoming kindergarten students must have a series of three hepatitis B vaccines to enter school. A Tuberculin skin test and a physical examination are also required.

Visitors/Volunteers

Parents are encouraged to visit the schools. There are various opportunities to volunteer during the school day. Please sign in at the office any time you enter a school building. Please call in advance to schedule appointments with teachers to discuss specific issues.