Reporting a Student Absence

You may report an absence or tardy for a student in the ASD Program by: 

• Calling the Lighthouse Education Center office at 269-429-2351 

or

• Completing the online ASD Program Student Absence form

This procedure applies to ALL students in the ASD program regardless of where their classroom is located.

The Lighthouse Education Center's secretaries will notify your student's teacher, the program's social worker, and your student's school building of his or her absence.  You are welcome to contact your student's teacher or the social worker regarding a student absence, however, this does not replace the need for reporting the absence to the Lighthouse office by calling or use of the online form.   Failure to follow this process could result in inaccurate attendance records.

Attendance Policy

Michigan state law requires attendance in school.  Regular school attendance and promptness are marks of a good student and a good citizen.  In school, as in other facets of life, regular attendance and punctuality are necessary.  Erratic attendance, non-attendance, or tardiness hampers student progress and holds a student back from making the most of their ability.  Accordingly, the ASD Program general attendance policy is as follows:

1. Adhere to Michigan law, which mandates that a parent/caregiver send their student to school for an appropriate education.
2. All Student absences must be excused.  The Board considers the following factors to be reasonable excuses for time missed at a district program:
   • Required court attendance
   • Professional appointments (doctor, dentist, etc.)
   • Death in the immediate family
   • Observation /celebration of a bona fide religious holiday
   • Such other good causes as may be acceptable to the Superintendent
3. Parent/caregiver must notify the school when their child is absent.  The board reserves the right to require written excuses and to verify excuses and to investigate the cause of prolonged absences/excessive tardiness.
4. Unexcused absences/excessive tardiness will be followed up administratively and may be reported to the truancy officer.

ASD Program Contacts

Robin Snyder
Supervisor of Autism Programs
269-429-2351
robin.snyder@berrienresa.org

ASD Program Secretary
269-429-2351