ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIES
Truancy Law: School Attendance is required.
A child between the ages of 7 and 17 must attend school. At the age of 17, a youth cannot drop out of school without their parents' permission. Written forms must be completed at a school meeting.
Schools, parents/guardians, and students have responsibilities which include:
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SCHOOLS:
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Provide a program or schedule that meets the student’s educational needs.
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Address problems identified as barriers to the student’s attending and learning.
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Maintain accurate attendance records and document communication with parents/ guardians and students about attendance.
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PARENTS & GUARDIANS:
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Talk and listen to your student - address the reasons for missing school.
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Share with your student just how important school is to their future.
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Help with homework questions or find someone to assist if needed.
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Have a set bedtime and morning routine.
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Get your student an alarm clock.
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Communicate with the school and their attendance policy.
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Don’t cover for your student's unexcused absences.
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Get your student services if problems interfere with school attendance.
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STUDENTS:
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You can find a caring adult who can help you...share with them your struggles with school.
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Talk to someone.
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It is your responsibility to get to school daily and be on time.
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Complete your homework daily.
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Know and follow school policies and rules.
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What are good or not-so-good reasons to miss school?
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EXCUSED ABSENCES:
A parent or guardian may seek an excused absence from school for his/her child. A school can accept or deny an application for an excused absence.
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VALID EXCUSES FOR MISSING SCHOOL:
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Sickness - you may be required to have documentation from your doctor.
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Medical treatment, including mental health
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Religious holidays
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INVALID REASONS FOR MISSING SCHOOL:
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Staying home to babysit
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Work
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Being tired
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Travel/Vacation
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Needed at home
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Cold weather
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Missed bus
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Needing a language interpreter