Message from Dean of Student Affairs
Attendance Policy Update January 2025
Mercy Families:
Happy New Year and blessings to you and your family!
Each year we review and update our policies to better serve our students throughout their high school journey and in preparing them for their futures. Early next week, we will “roll out” our revised attendance policy and procedures. Changes were made based on our Mercy Core Values and Profile of a Graduate, as well as what current research tells us about the importance of attendance and its impact on a successful school career.
Mercy students exhibit Educational Courage and pursue their full potential in a culture of excellence. Our holistic program expects engagement, a thirst for knowledge and personal responsibility as they prepare for a lifetime.
Consistent attendance and punctuality are essential for a student’s success. A study by the US Department of Education highlights how regular attendance directly affects a student's ability to keep up with classwork, grasp material, and perform well on exams. Missing just two days a month, or being consistently late to class, disrupts learning, creates gaps in understanding, and impacts overall academic performance. Every day, and every moment in class, truly makes a difference.
It is important to note other benefits of good attendance, such as actively participating in and contributing to a positive school culture. Opportunities to strengthen friendships and increase social and problem solving skills depend on students being present.
We ask you to support good attendance and our revised policy as we work collaboratively to ensure that every Mercy student reaches her full potential personally and academically.
In Mercy,
Dean of Student Affairs