Attendance is highly valued at Bucks County Technical High School. It is not only conducive to learning, but it is also viewed as a good habit when entering the world of work. BCTHS Attendance Policy follows the Compulsory Attendance Laws of the State of Pennsylvania.

Parents: Please call the Attendance Office (215-949-1700 ext 2979) before the start of school to report your child’s absence from school. Students must be in their first period class by 7:18 am.

Excused Absences: Illness, quarantine, death in immediate family, absence for religious holidays, religious instruction and health care.

Unexcused Absences: Absence through parental neglect, illegal employment, truancy, missed bus, overslept.

Chronic, Irregular Absences: As outlined in Section 1333 of the PA State School Code, students who establish a pattern of excessive absences may be required by school authorities to provide a physician’s statement showing that absences are justifiable. Any student in violation of the Compulsory Attendance Laws of the State of Pennsylvania (3 illegal/unlawful absences), will be issued a 1st Offence Notice. Any absences after this period will be subject to a 2nd Offense Notice. This means that if your child is illegally absent after this period, a complaint will be signed before the District Magistrate.

Students with fifteen (15) or more absences during the school year will be required to attend after school tutoring, Saturday school, or be required to make up missed time in the summer before they will receive their grades and be eligible to progress to the next grade level. SENIORS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE TO RECEIVE THEIR DIPLOMA UNTIL THIS TIME IS MADE UP.

Students who exceed three (3) absences per class in a marking period may receive a failure for that class. Class participation is a factor in determining student achievement. Our school cannot teach students who are not present. Students are responsible for making up missed assignments within (3) days of an absence.

Absence notes: State law requires a written note, signed by parent/guardian, to be submitted to the Attendance Office within three (3) days upon the student’s return to school, otherwise, the absence will be declared unlawful/unexcused. BCTHS excuse cards are available each classroom and various offices throughout the school.

Tardiness/Early Dismissals: Excessive tardiness or early dismissals (3 or more within a marking period) will result in disciplinary action. Students will be required to attend after-school detention and/or Saturday detention. Chronic tardiness and early dismissals may be also result in disciplinary action by the districts’ Home/School Visitor or Truant Officer. Students arriving late to school must sign in at PPS. BCTHS has the right to deny an early dismissal.

Family Trips or College Educational Visits must be requested in writing for approval at least 5 days prior to the absence. (Student is responsible for missed work.)

Please refer to the Agenda Book for more information regarding BCTHS policies!