District news
Stricter tardy rule at high schools and monthly absence notices
What happened
At both high schools, arriving 20 or more minutes late to class now counts as an absence (it was 30 minutes). Starting in October 2026, families of chronically absent students (missing 10% of days) get monthly notices, and doctor's notes may be needed for absences of 3+ days.
Why it matters to families
Families will hear sooner about missed school. High school chronic absence was 13.8% last year, down from 15.1%.
The evidence
The Sept 28 handbook memo describes the tardy, notice, and medical-note changes; Sept 28 minutes record the 9-0 handbook approval.
The source
Memo: Secondary Handbooks and Rights & Responsibilities Handbook (Sept 2026)See the full record for Newton Public Schools.
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