Brandt Attendance Family Letter
September 29, 2026
Every Day Counts: Our Family Guide to School Attendance
Dear Brandt Family,
Regular attendance is one of the strongest predictors of your child's success in school. Every school day builds on the one before it. When a child misses class, they miss instruction, connection with friends and teachers, and momentum that is hard to make up. We are committed to partnering with you to keep every student in school, every day, and this letter explains why attendance matters, what New Jersey law requires, and the tiered support system we use to help families along the way.
Why Attendance Matters
Stronger academic outcomes and steady progress toward grade-level goals
Deeper social and emotional connections with peers and teachers
Growth in responsibility, routine, and time-management skills
A greater sense of belonging in our school community
New Jersey Law & Chronic Absenteeism
Under N.J.S.A. 18A:38-25, all children ages six through sixteen must attend school regularly. New Jersey defines a student as chronically absent once they miss 10% or more of the school year (18 days for a full school year) for any reason, including illness. A student with 10 or more cumulative unexcused absences is considered truant under state law. Only the following are considered excused absences under NJDOE guidelines:
College visit(s), up to 3 days per school year for students in grades 11 and 12
“Take Our Children to Work Day”
Participation in observance of Veterans Day
Participation in district board of election membership activities; and Participation in one “civic event” for students in grades 6-12 and can only be applied to an event sponsored by a government entity, a community-based organization, or a nonprofit.
ALL other absences, including illness, are unexcused but should still be documented with a doctor's note within 3 days of the visit, and all other documentation within 3 business days. Documentation provides the school administration with important information needed when determining if truancy needs to be filed.
Reporting an Absence
By 8:30 AM on each day your child is absent, please email brandtattendance@hoboken.k12.nj.us and your child's homeroom teacher with: your child's name, the reason for absence, expected return date, and any supporting documentation.
Our Tiered System of Support-Please Read Carefully
Please be sure to read the Tier System of the Support carefully as there are new requirements and procedures that we will be following. The Hoboken Public School District follows the NJDOE's tiered framework for attendance, moving from support for all students to more individualized help as needed. Families are automatically notified at 4, 8, and 12 absences regardless of the reason, so no one is caught by surprise. These letters are generated from OnCourse and use standard language. Please do not be offended. Everyone receives the same letter.
TIER 1 · Universal Support for All Students
0% – 4.9% of the school year absent
What We Do
Greet and welcome every student and family
Send a same day notification alert for every absence via school messenger
Track attendance data and share school-wide attendance goals
Celebrate strong and improved attendance
What We Ask of Families
Report each absence by 8:30 AM with reason, return date, and documentation
Submit doctor's notes within 3 days of the visit
Communicate early if attendance becomes a challenge
TIER 2 · Targeted Support for Students At Risk of Chronic Absence
5% – 9.9% of the school year absent
What We Do
Continued OnCourse notifications at 4, 8, and 12 absences
Personal phone call from the school guidance counselor
Mandatory attendance meeting with administration, the attendance officer, and family
Individualized Attendance Improvement Plan with specific goals and supports Referral to school and community resources
What We Ask of Families
Attend the attendance meeting and share any barriers to daily attendance
Partner on the Attendance Improvement Plan and follow its goals
Continue timely absence reporting and documentation
Reach out early. We are here to help.
TIER 3 · Intensive Support for Chronically Absent Students
10%+ of the school year absent
What We Do
Formal Attendance Contract signed with the school's attendance committee
Required weekly check-ins to monitor progress
Academic Support Plan to close learning gaps from missed instruction
Referral to community support agencies
Learning Recovery Lab (two 1-hour sessions) to make up lost instructional time for each day absent following the Learning Recovery Lab Matrix
Summer school if the student is below grade level, per Linkit benchmarks (July, Mon–Fri, 8:30 AM–12:30 PM)
At 10+ cumulative unexcused days, formal truancy referral to the NJ court system, which may lead to court proceedings, fines, or a referral to the Division of Children and Family Services
What We Ask of Families
Sign and uphold the Attendance Contract
Attend weekly check-ins with designated staff
Engage with community resources and referrals offered
Attend court proceedings if a truancy referral occurs
Extended Illness, Medical Needs & Home Instruction
If your child has a chronic or temporary medical condition or will have an upcoming surgery, please contact brandtattendance@hoboken.k12.nj.us to schedule a meeting with our attendance team including our school nurse, so we can best come up with a plan to support your child’s needs either through home instruction, a medical 504 or an individualized health plan.
Extended Absence Procedures
If a child is absent for more than 10 consecutive days without proper documentation or home instruction arrangements, the student will be un-enrolled from school. If you are planning extended travel, including overseas trips, please connect with your child's principal regarding the unenrollment and re-enrollment process to ensure a smooth transition back to school. This is not negotiable and is required as a part of our extended absence procedures.
Our Commitment to You
We know families sometimes face real barriers to daily attendance, and we would rather partner with you early than intervene later. Please reach out anytime attendance becomes a challenge. We are here to help your child stay connected, supported, and in school.
Brandt Attendance Team
Mr. Steve Dickerson
Principal
Dr. Robin Baskinger
Vice Principal
Jessica Hosbach
Guidance Counselor
Cassandra Nuovo
School Nurse
Madison Burns
Guidance Counselor
Kim Pala
Administrative Assistant
Mr. William James
Truancy Officer