"Exceptional Attendance Award" in K-8 Schools to be Reinstated

During the Manalapan-Englishtown Board of Education meeting on July 12, the board revisited the idea of reinstating a perfect attendance award for students and staff.

At a June 14 meeting, a student, her parent, and a staff member had asked the board to reconsider this award, which the State discouraged after the H1N1 outbreak. The members present agreed it would be a nice gesture to recognize “exceptional attendance.”

“I understand that, and I think that if we want to reward, we really should stay away from 100 percent. I would make it 95 percent,” said Superintendent John J. Marciante. “And the reason why is because I don’t want them to come in sick.”

The board then realized that 95 percent of 180 days would mean a nine day allowance, and that was too generous. Stipelman suggested a five day allowance, which would be roughly 98 percent attendance; the board agreed with this suggestion.

Superintendent Marciante said he will work to finalize this award which will apply to students in all schools as well as the district’s staff.