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Student Attendance

A student focuses on her school work.

Click the button below to learn more about the Get Your 180 Attendance campaign. Contact the Department of Student Attendance at studentattendancestaff@paterson.k12.nj.us for more information.

A yellow button with the text %22Get Your 180: Attendance Campaign%22 that links to the Get Your 180 page.

The Importance of Daily School Attendance

Compulsory School Attendance & Student Accounting Department/Special Investigations Unit 

At Paterson Public Schools, we believe that every day in school matters. Consistent attendance is one of the most important factors in helping your child succeed in school—and it all starts with being present, on time, and ready to learn.

When students attend school regularly, they stay connected to their learning, build strong relationships with teachers and peers, and are more likely to meet academic milestones and graduate on time. Even occasional absences can impact your child’s progress.

Why Attendance Matters:​​​​​​​

  • Every school day equals approximately 6.5 hours of instruction. When students miss a day, they miss critical time for learning, engaging with teachers, and participating in classroom activities.

  • Missing just two days per month can add up to nearly 18 days—or over 130 hours—of missed instruction in a school year.

  • Regular attendance builds structure, confidence, and lifelong habits for success in school and beyond.

  • Students who attend consistently are more likely to read at grade level and be on track for graduation.

We Understand Life Happens—We’re Here to Help

We know that illness, transportation issues, family responsibilities, or housing challenges can make it difficult for students to attend school consistently. That’s why our district is committed to working with families to overcome these barriers.

If your family is experiencing temporary housing, homelessness, or displacement, our team can provide support and resources under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act to help ensure your child continues receiving a stable education. Please click on McKinney Vento Act / McKinney Vento Act for further assistance in that area. 

For assistance or questions about attendance, please contact the:

Compulsory School Attendance and Student Accounting Department
 

📞 Phone: (973) 321-0686

Let’s work together to ensure every child has the opportunity to succeed—because every day counts, and every day missed is time we can’t get back.

Parents/Guardians are responsible for ensuring that their children attend school, every day, on time, unless properly excused pursuant to NJ state law (NJSA 18A:38-25) and District Policy 5200.

Contact Us

Phone: 973-321-0686
Email: studentattendancestaff@paterson.k12.nj.us


Natalia Frazier-Thompson

Deputy Director of Compulsory School Attendance & Student Accounting Department/Special Investigations Unit
Operational Units I, II, and III 
973-321-0687
nfrazierthompson@paterson.k12.nj.us


Virginia Jackson

Coordinator of CSASA / Special Investigations Unit
Operational Units I, II, and III
973-321-0897
vjackson@paterson.k12.nj.us


Maria D. Rosado-Leon

Coordinator of CSASA / Special Investigations Unit
Operational Units I, II, and III
973-321-0789
mrosado@paterson.k12.nj.us


Sierra Gerald 

Coordinator of CSASA / Special Investigations Unit
Pre-K and Kindergarten
973-321-2229
geralds@paterson.k12.nj.us


Aidin Ortiz

Senior Specialist of CSASA/Special Investigations Unit
Eastside High School, Alonzo "Tambua" Moody Academy for Social Change, Rosa L. Parks School of Fine & Performing Arts, and Paterson STEAM High School
973-262-4620 
aortiz@paterson.k12.nj.us


Senior Specialist of CSASA/Special Investigations Unit
John F. Kennedy High School, International High School, Paterson P-Tech, and Newcomers High School
973-626-5995

Edith Giggetts-Holland

Chronic Absenteeism Specialist
School 26, STARS Academy/STARS T.I.E.S. Program, Paterson STEAM High School
973-262-4623
giggettshollande@paterson.k12.nj.us


Kanisha Haskins

Chronic Absenteeism Specialist
School 13, School 20, John F. Kennedy High School, Dr. Frank Napier, Jr. School of Science & Technology
201-250-1694
khaskins@paterson.k12.nj.us


Asia Noble

Chronic Absenteeism Specialist
School 2, School 21, School 10, School 25
973-626-6010
amnoble@paterson.k12.nj.us


Daniel Blathers

Districtwide Field Investigator
973-321-0686
dblathers@paterson.k12.nj.us