besASAP at a glance: Email besASAP@summit.k12.nj.us whenever your child’s arrival or dismissal changes, or to report an absence. Include your child’s full name and class in the subject line. For dismissal changes, send by 2:30 p.m.

Purpose

This page explains how to use the besASAP email address and summarizes the district’s attendance policy in plain language.

Using besASAP

When to email

  • Arrival or dismissal change: bus vs. pickup, different caregiver, after-school program, etc.
  • Absence: your child will not be in school.

Whom to email

Email besASAP@summit.k12.nj.us and copy your child’s teacher.

subject line format

Use: StudentFirstName StudentLastName – Class – Reason

Example: Jordan Smith – 2B – Early pickup at 1:30

what to include

  • Child’s full name and class
  • Date (and time, if early pickup/late arrival)
  • Reason (brief is fine)
  • Who is picking up if different than usual
deadline for dismissal changes: send your email no later than 2:30 p.m.

Reporting an absence by phone

If you call the office, please leave a voicemail with your child’s name, class, date of absence, and reason. Still copy the teacher by email when possible.

District attendance policy (simplified)

Regular attendance is required

By state law, students must attend school regularly. The district reports attendance to the New Jersey Department of Education.

Two kinds of absences

  • Cumulative: counts toward absence totals that can affect promotion or course credit (in upper grades).
    • Verified: parent explains the absence (still counts toward limits).
    • Unverified: truancy/cutting class (discipline may apply).
  • Non-cumulative: does not count toward absence limits. These are the only state-allowable reasons to be marked “present” while out:
    • Religious observance
    • College visit (up to 3 days, grades 11–12)
    • Take Our Children to Work Day
    • Veterans Day observance participation
    • District board of election membership activities
    • Sending district bus closure prevents transportation
    • Civic event (1 day per year, grades 6–12)

Note: If an absence is not one of the seven items above, the state requires it be reported as absent, even if the school verifies your reason.

What the school does

  • Calls home if a student is absent without a known reason.
  • Monitors attendance and may create improvement plans if rates drop.

What families should do

  • Tell the school in advance when you know about an absence.
  • Make up missed work: students may complete assignments; religious-holiday absences will not cause loss of eligibility or opportunities.

Important to know

  • Frequent absences can lead to retention (elementary) or loss of course credit/removal from a class (secondary).
  • Unverified absences can limit co-curriculars and athletics and may carry discipline.

Quick examples

  • Early pickup: “Jordan Smith – 2B – Early pickup at 1:30, picked up by Aunt Maria.”
  • After-school change: “Ava Chen – 3A – Today go to Kids’ Club instead of bus.”
  • Absence: “Leo Martinez – K – Absent 9/20 for fever.”
  • Religious observance: “Noah Patel – 5C – Absent 10/3 for religious holiday.”

Questions about specific situations? Email besASAP@summit.k12.nj.us or contact the main office.