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MIDDLE TOWNSHIP High School Principal John McVey, right reviews Ttudent of sthoolloday° r,,S W ‘ th vlcP * pr,nci P a, Rob<,rt Ppnk '«*man as they prepare for opening Policies Vary in Area Schools

(From Page 1)

insufficient attendance.

Nevertheless, the new attendance requirements reduced absenteeism .from between 12 and 15 per cent level to about 8 percent in the 1981-1982schooTjfcffcjiccor-ding to Alan Beattie, principal. • ** ‘‘We felt students should be here on a more consistent basis," explained Beattie. "It’s important not only for the student’s education, but it helps develop habits and attitudes for the work world." Although there was some angry reaction to Lower Cape May Regional's new policy, Beattie believes that last semester’s publicity may have helped bring to the parents’ attention the. school's requirements. Each student is presented with a copy of the attendance regulations, but if there was any doubt about the intentions of the school it was removed last spring when headlines told the cqptroversial story of the denial of credits. • "Most of our denials occurred in cases where absences were in excess of 25

days." Beattie explained.

High schools, the newspaper survey showed, have varying degrees of attendance requirements. All have appeal pro-

cesses when action is taken.

Lower Cape May Regional specifies that students who are absent more than 14 days • seven a semester) may lose their credit. However, mitigating circumstances such as illnesses, deaths in the immediate family or professional appointments, will be

Lighthouse Museum

NORTH WILDWOOD - The state department of Environmental Protection has agreed to lease the old Hereford Inlet Lighthouse to the city for 20 years free of cost, including an option for renewal. According to reports, the city plans to use the 106-year-old structure as a nautical museum and information center. The structure hopefully will be ready for

public use by next summer.

The structure, which usdd to operate in the Hereford Inlet, was purchased by the state in the early 1970’s. The Department of Environmental Protection has refused to sell the building because of its plans to eventually house the N.J. Marine Police at the facility. It is now used to store

Marine Police equipment.

UNION LEAGUE pledge of $1,500 to Burdette Tomlin Memorial hospital fund drive is presented by league president Robert Salasin. M.D.. right, to Phyllis

(‘atanoso and James Cafiero.

considered. Students also are allowed a 10-day family vacation which doesn't count against the 14-day permissive absentee period. Altogether, a student is allowed 24 days away from the classroom

plus days for valid reasons.

Over the years, national data indicate the normal rate for legitimate absences ranges between 5 and 8 per cent of the student body on a daily basis. Absenteeism in industry is said to be at about the 10 per

cent level.

At other high schools in the county, the survey indicated these developments.

WILDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

With a student population of 700. Wildwood High had Hs best attendance in a long time last yea^, according to Ernest Harper, vice-principal. Absenteeism was never higher than 10 per cent, he said, compared to a 10 to 13 per cent average in

the past .

Students absent over 20 days, no matter what the reason, are denied credits That 20-day period includes vacation time, too "Attendance was the highest ever last year." said Harper. "We ertpect to do as

well or better this year.” MIDDLE TOWNSHIP HIGH

Absenteeism hasn't been much of a problem here, according to John McVey, principal. The rate last year was at 6.5 per

cent.

“If we improve one per cent this year, we will be very happy," he said. A student at .Middle Township loses

credit if he or she has 6 illegpl absences during the school year. A family vacation of up to two vyeeks a year is permitted The

school has 900’studcnts. OCEAN CITY HIGH

The problem at Ocean City High, with a student, population of 1,182. hasn’t been acute. Assistant Principal Harry McLaughlin said. At the worst absenteeism has been as high as 12 per cent. Last year it averaged between 8 and

9 per cent. v.

"There was a marked improvement, particularly among freshmen and sophomores, McLaughlin said. "We expect to have continued improvement this

year."

A student is in trouble at Ocean City . High School when he or she approaches 18 absences. After 5 absences without a bonafide reason, the parent is notified. After 10 illegal absences, a second notification takes place, this time advising the parent that a child's credits are subject to review. This usually brings about quick parental response. COUNTY VO TECH Since the county's five other high schools send some students to Vo-Tech for vocational training, the absenteeism here reflects that of the sending high schools. James O'Hara, director of curriculum and instruction, said absenteeism has declined and when students continue to be absent they are sent back to their home schools. Positive steps are taken to encourage students to come to class. O'Hara said. They include listing perfect attendance and awarding of certificates for V Riose in that category WILDWOOD CATHOLIC There is virtually no absenteeism pro mem here. 4ccording to Sister Marie Rudegcair. principal. Parents pay tuition /for students at Wildwood Catholic and the • 470 students attend here because they want to. When students miss a dyy or two. a con sultation usually takes plow with students and/or their parents.

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