2900 Attendance

Admission Washington County School District - Adopted 9-8-98; Revised 1-12-99; Revised 2-12-02; Revised 2-13-07

Table of Contents
1. Purpose & Philosophy
2. Policy
3. Procedure for Secondary Schools
3.1. Definitions
3.2. Consequences
3.3. Parent Notification
3.4. Restitution
3.5. Appeal process
3.6. Dissemination
4. Procedure for Elementary Schools
5. Procedure for Intermediate Schools
WCSD Home | Policy Index | Schools Page

    1. Purpose:   

    The Washington County School Board wants to make every effort to be in compliance with State law and work together with Fifth District         Juvenile Court to encourage the regular attendance of all Washington County students. It believes this to be in the best interest of the students     and the community. The Board, together with Washington County Schools, is committed to work in harmony with parents and to assist them     with their responsibility to have their children in attendance at school.

    2. Policy:

2.1. The "State Compulsory Education Requirements" (Utah Code, Section 53A-11-101) directs parents and schools as follows:

2.1.1. A person having control of a minor who has reached the age of six years, but has not reached the age of eighteen years, shall send the minor to a public or regularly established private school during the school year of the District in which the minor resides.

2.1.2. It is a misdemeanor for a person having control of a minor under subsection (1) to willfully fail to comply with the requirements of chapters 3A-11, part A.

2.1.3. A local board of education shall report cases of willful noncompliance to the appropriate city, county, or district attorney.

2.2. The law allows parents of students enrolled in public schools to excuse their student from school, but only when the student is absent for a "legitimate or valid reason" such as illness or family emergency. Fifth District Juvenile Court has jurisdiction over all juveniles residing in Washington County. It is the expectation of the court that students within its jurisdiction will be in regular attendance at the school in which they are enrolled. The court is obligated to adjudicate truancy matters for those students who are habitually absent without allowable excuse. To accomplish this goal, the court requires that public school officials refer to court those students who are in violation of the compulsory education requirements. Prior to referral, the court expects parents and schools to demonstrate earnest and persistent effort to deter truant behavior. In order for the court to adjudicate truancy, the court requires that schools have attendance policies which enforce consequences for truant behavior and teach students that such behavior is illegal and unacceptable.

2.3. Evidence of reasons for granting an exception to 2.2. must be sufficient to satisfy the local board.

2.4. For purposes of Teachers Disclosures, Attendance Review Board, or Juvenile Court referrals, this policy assumes that any absences beyond five (5) days in a quarter are excessive whether excused, truant or unexcused.

2.5. Restitution shall accrue hour per hour under any schedule.

    3. Procedure for Secondary Schools:

3.1. Definitions:
 
3.1.1. Tardy: A tardy is defined as reporting to class after the bell to start class has sounded. A tardy can be excused by a parent when an emergency situation results in a student arriving at school late. A student may not be excused for tardiness between classes. An excused tardy will be removed from the student's attendance record and will have no penalty.

3.1.1.1. Tardy rationale. Tardies not only hinder a student's ability to profit from instruction at the beginning of class, but they interrupt the work of the other students who made the effort to be on time. In addition, tardy students are usually in the hallways interrupting other classes and the efforts of other students/friends to be to class on time. Punctual students perform better in school and at work.

3.1.1.2. Excused tardies can impact learning. They will be reported and reviewed by the school for impact.  Teachers will include individual classroom policies addressing seat-time in their disclosure statements.

3.1.1.3. Tardy policy. Each school is required to establish a uniform tardy policy. Individual teachers are encouraged to develop academic incentives for promptness.  Other suggestions to schools, and teachers, for consideration, include bell-ringer activities, participation points, dropping an assignment, etc. Schools are encouraged to share their plans throughout the district.

3.1.1.3.1. It is the teacher's responsibility to properly record tardies in SIS, step out into the hall to encourage students to go to class on time.

3.1.1.3.2. It is the student's and parent's responsibility to monitor tardies on SIS, through Progress Reports, and by communicating with the teacher.

3.1.1.3.3. Excessive tardies may result in any or all of the following: 1)  teacher/student meeting; 2) a teacher/student/parent meeting;  3) a meeting with an administrator.

3.1.2. Absences. An absence is defined as any time a student is not in attendance in the classroom to which he or she has been assigned. Any type of absenteeism (other than an exempt absence) beyond five (5) days in a quarter will be considered excessive, and may result in any or all of the following: 1) a meeting with an administrator; 2) a referral to the Attendance Review Committee;   3) a referral to Juvenile Court.

3.1.3. Incentive. Teachers are expected to acknowledge and reward appropriate behavior in the area of attendance.

3.1.4. There are three (3) categories of absences:
3.1.4.1. Excused absence. An absence excused by a parent or legal guardian within the timeframe allowed by policy.  In order for an absence to be considered an excused absence, the school must be notified by the parent prior to the absence, the day of the absence, and up to two (2) days following the absence.  No restitution points are given for an excused absence.  Work missed due to an excused absence may be made up within a reasonable time frame at the teacher's discretion. Please note: the law defines the reason for parents to excuse students as a "legitimate or valid reason, such as illness or family emergency."

3.1.4.1.1. Notification should be prior to or on the same day as the absence. However, notification will be accepted within two days of the return from absence.

3.1.4.1.2. Parents or doctors may verify student illness. No medical notes are required for excused absences, but are needed for extended absences in order to determine the need for homebound teacher and/or special consideration for chronic illness.

3.1.4.1.3. Excessive excused absences: Absences become excessive when a total of excused absences exceed five (5) or more days in a individual class during a quarter (see Consequences 3.2.3)

3.1.4.2. Unexcused absence.  Unexcused absence is any absence that is not excused in accordance with the definition for an excused absence. An unexcused absence is counted as one (1) point for restitution purposes. Work missed may not be made up. (Appeal process is described in 3.6.)

3.1.4.2.1. Excessive unexcused absences. In terms of this policy, up to three (3) points per quarter are not considered excessive. However, absences are considered excessive and initiate restitution once a student receives four (4) or more in an individual class per quarter.

3.1.4.2.2. Truancy.  If a student is absent from his/her assigned class, without parental or school knowledge and this absence does not meet the standard of an excused or exempt absence, that student is considered to be truant.

3.1.4.3. Exempt absence. Absences that qualify under District policy as (a) educational travel, (b) school-related activity,( c) homebound absence, (d) absence due to chronic illness, or (e) court/detention absences are not counted as an absence if the school receives the required notification. Students who are given exempt absence status are responsible for completion of the work missed when they were absent. Exempt absence status will not be considered towards excessive absenteeism.

3.1.4.3.1. Educational travel. Travel with an educational component, such as visits to museums, historical sites, education centers, wildlife preserves, or cultural events, etc. will be considered educational travel. Seniors making campus visits to colleges where they are considering enrollment would also qualify for educational travel. Students excused for "Educational Travel" will not be counted as absent if they comply with the following requirements:

3.1.4.3.1.1. Satisfactory arrangements are made with school administration and teachers prior to the absence.

3.1.4.3.1.2. An Educational Travel form is filled out and signed by the student, parent, administrator, and each of the student's teachers.

3.1.4.3.1.3. Appropriate assignments related to the travel have been completed and turned in.

3.1.4.3.1.4. It is recommended to parents that educational travel not be used more than once in a school year.

3.1.4.3.2. School-related activity. Students excused with administrative approval to participate in a school-related activity will not be counted as absent. School administrators will make a conscientious effort to minimize the number of school-excused absences.

3.1.4.3.3. Homebound absence. Students excused for homebound absences will not be counted as absent. In order to qualify for homebound absence a student must meet all of the following criteria:

3.1.4.3.3.1. A student must be absent for health-related reasons for a period of five (5) or more consecutive days. (In the case of a student who is undergoing surgery or has been injured in an accident, qualification for homebound is immediate.) Upon return to school, students will be responsible to make up the work they missed during their absence.

3.1.4.3.3.2. The illness or accident must be verified by a medical doctor (MD). (Utah Code 53A-11-102(1)(a)(iii))

3.1.4.3.3.3. When recovery from illness or accident exceeds five (5) school days, a student is eligible to have homework collected for the parent/guardian to pick up or an alternative educational program will be developed.

3.1.4.3.4. Chronic illness. Chronic health problems may or may not interfere with attendance at school and learning in the classroom. It is extremely important that parents notify the school concerning health-related problems that their students may have. Chronic illness would include but not be limited to: diabetes, asthma, and severe allergies. If the chronic illness hinders a student's attendance, the parent is invited to meet with a school administrator to formulate an individual attendance plan that will meet the student's needs. It is the responsibility of the parent to schedule such a meeting and to provide verification of the illness from a medical doctor (MD).

3.1.4.3.5. Court or detention will be considered an exempt absence if student can demonstrate required participation.

3.2. Consequences.

3.2.1. Rationale: All absences impact instructional time, learning, and participation.

3.2.2. Point System. All tardies and absences will be assigned the following marks and  points:

T - Tardy Determined by individual school
E - Excused absence 0 pts - Work can be made up
X - Unexcused absence 1 pt 
S - Truant  1 pt 
O - Restitution (1 hour) 0 pts - 1 unexcused absence replaced
    
3.2.2.1. Excessive Excused Absences. Excessive excused absences are defined as absences totaling more than five (5) or ten (10) on traditional schedule in any class period. Whether excused or unexcused, absences have a negative impact on student learning.  Academic instructional time is critical to student learning. Once a student reaches three (3) excused absences in a class, it is recommended that a teacher/student meeting be held.  Once a student reaches five (5) or ten (10) on traditional schedule excused absences it will be deemed excessive and credit may be withheld.

3.2.2.2. Unexcused Absence. (See 3.1.4.2.) An unexcused absence is any absence that is not excused by the parent or guardian and will count as one     (1) point in regard to required restitution. Course work cannot be made up,     which may affect the academic grade.

3.2.2.3.  Truant. (See 3.1.4.2.2.) A truant will count as one (1) point in regard to required restitution and cannot be excused by a parent or guardian. Course work cannot be made up which may affect the academic grade.

3.2.3. No Grades. Four (4) points (refer to point system 3.2.2.) in a class period during the same term, will result in the withholding of the grade and the credit for that class period. A NG (No Grade) for that class period will appear on the next report card. The grade and credit will be restored when restitution is complete. A grade withheld does not influence the Grade Point Average, however, if not restored, it will result in the loss of credit required for graduation. Two (2) No Grades will result in loss of eligibility for participation in extracurricular activities. Graduation credit lost due to this policy may require make-up classes. See 3.4.2.)

3.2.4. Resolving minor's school attendance problems: Efforts of the school, District, and/or Board, shall include, as reasonably feasible:
3.2.4.1 Counseling by school authorities.

3.2.4.2 A written request for parental support in securing regular attendance by the minor, delivered by certified mail, containing notice of the requirements of this section (53A-11-101 to 106) and stating that refusal to respond to the notice is a class B misdemeanor.

3.2.4.3 At least one meeting with the minor and the parents, i.e., the School Attendance Review Board.

3.2.4.4. Any necessary adjustment to the curriculum and schedule to meet special needs of the minor.

3.2.4.5 Monitoring school attendance of the minor for a period not to exceed 30 days.

3.2.4.6 In addition, the School Board and/or District may enlist the assistance of community and law enforcement agencies as appropriate and reasonably feasible.

3.2.4.7 If attendance problems are not resolved, the local Board and District shall refer to the Fifth District Juvenile court as an habitual truant.

3.3. Parent Notification.

3.3.1. The first time a student accumulates three (3) points or the equivalent in any one class period during a quarter, the parent will be notified by phone or letter. Parents are encouraged to monitor their student's attendance from this notification on, and are invited to call the attendance secretary at the school as often as necessary to help them with this task. No first-time notifications for NG’s earned in other class periods in the same term will be made. This first-time notification procedure will be repeated each term of the school year.

3.3.2. Parents will be notified in writing the first time their student earns an NG. It is the responsibility of the parent from that time on to contact the attendance secretary at the school for information regarding subsequently withheld grades and credit. This procedure will also be repeated each term. Restitution for a grade withheld may begin immediately following notification. In fact, students are encouraged to complete restitution prior to the end of term in which the grade withheld occurred. Restitution classes cannot be attended in advance of notification of an NG.

3.3.3. A parent, teacher, or a school administrator may request a conference to discuss the attendance of a student whom they deem to have an excessive number of absences. The proposed conference would consider steps that might be taken to improve attendance. A request for such a conference would precede a referral to juvenile court for truancy.

3.4. Restitution.

3.4.1. Restitution requirements. Attendance at "Restitution Classes" will be required in order to earn the release of grades and credit withheld. Restitution shall accrue hour for hour under any schedule. There will be a charge of $5.00 for each restitution session.  This charge will help to cover the cost of operating the restitution class.  When points in a class above the allowable three (3) have been removed, the academic grade will be restored and credit issued. (Revised 11-11-97; 6-10-03)

3.4.2. Time limit for restitution. As outlined in Section 3.3 of the parent notification section above, students are encouraged to complete restitution prior to the end of term in which the grade withheld occurred. However, students will have until the end of the term following the one in which a grade was withheld to complete the requirements for restitution. If restitution is not completed in this length of time, all No Grades (NG) will remain on the student record and credit for the term in that class will be lost. Significant loss of credit will prevent graduation. For extracurricular activities, two NG’s will result in the loss of eligibility until restored.

3.4.3. Restitution classes. Restitution classes will be held in each school building. The classes will be conducted outside the regular school day and may be scheduled for Saturdays, summers, or night school. It is the responsibility of the student to check with the school regarding the schedule for restitution classes. Restitution classes will be conducted as study halls. Students will be required to engage in some academic pursuit. This will not be detention. Students who do not come with meaningful schoolwork will not be admitted. Students who are late will be turned away. Each secondary school will offer a maximum of 50 hours of restitution classes per quarter. Students will be required to enroll in restitution classes at the school where the points were acquired unless administrative arrangements are made by the involved principals.

3.5. Appeal process.

 3.5.1 Students who have an NG as a result of this policy and feel that there are extenuating circumstances which should be considered are invited to request, in writing, that the grade be restored. Requests explaining the circumstances should be signed by the student and the parent or guardian and delivered to an administrator or Attendance Review Committee for consideration. Such appeals should be made within the term immediately following the receipt of the No Grade (NG).  All appeals will be considered by the School Attendance Review Committee. The Washington     County School Board will, also, participate in "due process." A student and his/her parent may appeal the decision of the Attendance Review Committee to the principal.     They may, also, appeal the principal's decision by requesting (in writing through the Superintendent) a special hearing before a District Student Services Panel.

3.6. Dissemination.
 
3.6.1. This policy will be posted in a prominent place in each secondary school in the District. The policy will, also, be published in student registration materials; student, parent, and employee handbooks; and other appropriate school publications as directed by the Superintendent.

4. Procedures for Elementary Schools.

4.1. Definition: Educational Neglect. Educational neglect is defined as the willful failure or refusal of parents or caretakers to make a good faith effort to ensure that a child receives an appropriate education, after receiving notice that the child has been frequently absent from school without good cause. Examples would include a parent who consistently fails to get the child up on time, dressed, etc., so the child can get to school; a parent who keeps a child home to baby sit or provide the parent with company. The situation is defined as educational neglect only when the child's behavior is under the parent's control. This would usually involve a child under the age of 10. With older children, the situation might be more accurately defined as truancy. In such a case, the child might refuse to get up, get dressed, etc., despite the parent's efforts; or the child might leave the house presumably to go to school, and go somewhere else.

4.2. In accordance with the "State Compulsory Education Requirements" (Utah Code, Section 53A-11-101), and to help provide elementary age students with the best opportunities for learning, the following policy will apply at elementary schools within Washington County School District.

4.3. In order to ensure that a specific procedure is followed, a checklist that clearly describes each step in the process will be used for each instance of excessive absence. (See attachment 1.) The agenda described in the checklist is designed to help the school staff work with parents in providing a meaningful and consistent academic program for the child. The checklist should also be used to document earnest and persistent effort on the part of the school to provide a meaningful educational program.

4.3.1. Elementary school principals are encouraged to work closely with parents in allowing for students to participate in family activities that may require short absences from school. Such options as educational leave may be appropriate and should be considered in such circumstances.

4.3.2. Attendance points:
Absences

1 day = 1 point

1/2 day = .5 point
Tardies

Less than 30 min = .2 point

More than 30 min = .3 point

 4.4. When a student has accumulated five (5) attendance points during the school year, the school will contact parents by telephone, mail, or in person. (See attachment 2)

4.5. When a student has accumulated 10 attendance points during the school year, the school will contact the parents to set up a meeting. A letter will be sent to arrange and confirm the meeting time and place. (See attachment 3) School representatives should find what the explanation is for the lack of the attendance. The person(s) having this conversation must make notes or otherwise document specifically what the parent(s) said. Any or all of the following steps may be taken at the meeting.

4.5.1. Discuss the reason for excessive absences and/or tardies.

4.6.2. Discuss make-up work.

4.5.3. Request doctor's verification with specific dates for absences and/or tardies due to illness.

4.5.4. Develop a contract with parents and student.

If prior arrangements for the educational needs of the student were made and/or the absences and/or tardies were determined, by the principal, to be reasonable, a meeting and follow-up letter may not be necessary at this time.

4.6. If the parent does not attend the meeting, or if the results from the meeting with the parents do not resolve the problem and the student accumulates 15 total attendance points, a certified letter will be sent home. The certified letter must: (1) describe the problem, (2) describe necessary corrective action, (3) explain truancy mediation options, and (4) inform the parent(s) that if the situation is not corrected, in compliance with Utah Code, Section 53A-11-101),a referral will be made to the appropriate district or county attorney or juvenile court for truancy or educational neglect (See attachment 4.) A copy of this letter, along with a copy of the completed checklist, will be forwarded to the Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education.

5. Procedures for Intermediate Schools.

5.1. Rationale: In order to establish a transition from the elementary procedures (sec. 4) to the secondary consequences (sec. 3.2) that fit the unique needs of Intermediate School students. This will prepare students for the secondary policy that requires restitution that effects earned credits in High School.
 
5.2 In accordance with the "State Compulsory Education Requirements" (Utah Code, Section 53A-11-101) and to help provide intermediate age students with the best opportunities for learning, the following policy will apply at intermediate schools within Washington County School District.
 
5.3 In order to ensure that a specific procedure is followed, a checklist that clearly describes each step in the process will be used for each instance of excessive absence. The agenda described in the checklist is designed to help the school staff work with parents in providing a meaningful and consistent academic program for the child. The checklist should also be used to document earnest and persistent effort on the part of the school to provide a meaningful educational program.
 
5.3.1. The point system established for the secondary schools will apply to intermediate schools.
 
5.4. When a student has accumulated four (4) attendance points during the quarter, the school will contact parents by telephone, mail, or in person.
 
5.5. When a student has accumulated six (6) attendance points during the quarter, the school will conduct a phone conversation, face-to-face conference, or home visit with the parents. The person having this conversation must document it in PowerSchool.
 
5.6. When a student has accumulated ten (10) attendance points during the quarter the school will:
5.6.1. Discuss the reason for excessive absences and/or tardies.
5.6.2. Discuss make-up work.
5.6.3. Request doctor's verification with specific dates for absences due to illness.
5.6.4. Develop a contract with parents and student. Contract may include consequences such as: work hours, court mediation, youth court, or referral to DCSF.
 
5.7. If the parent does not attend the meeting, or if the results from the meeting with the parents do not resolve the problem and the student does not meet the requirements of the contract then a referral will be made to juvenile court for truancy or educational neglect.
 
5.8. Truancy. A truancy will result in two hours of restitution for every class missed. Students will be responsible to make up work missed. Restitution will be completed during the lunch hour, and they will be charged $5 for each truancy.
 
 

School Attendance Checklist

 
School Year _______
Quarter _____
 
Student: ________________________________ Teacher: ________________________
 
Parent/Guardian: _________________________________________________________
 
Address/Phone: __________________________________________________________
 
 
( ) 4 attendance points-The school contacts* the parent/guardian by telephone, mail, or in person.
Date of contact: _________________ Method of contact: _________________________
Results _______________________________________________________________________
 
( ) 6 attendance points -The school contacts the parent/guardian. A conversation* between administration and parent is conducted.
Date of contact: _______________ Method of contact: __________________________
 
( ) 10 attendance points &endash; A Parent Conference is conducted, and a contract is established. Date of meeting: __________________
Attendance contract* agreed upon by student/parent/school: Yes ___ No ___
 
( ) Contract not Fulfilled -The school will send all the documents to the Washington County School District's Assistant Superintendent for Secondary Education and a referral to DCFS/Juvenile Court for educational neglect/truancy will be made.
Date sent to District office: _________________________________
 
*Attach to the referral: attendance file, log entries from conversations or meetings with the student, parent, or agencies, and a photo copy or postal receipt of the certified letter.
 

 

 

Attachment 1

School Attendance Checklist

School Year _______

 

Student: __________________________________________ Teacher: _______________________________

Parent/Guardian: __________________________________________________________________________

Address/Phone: ___________________________________________________________________________

 

( )
5 attendance points-The school contacts * the parent/guardian by telephone, mail, or in person. This begins the 30-day monitoring listed below:
Date of contract: _______________________ Method of contact: __________________________
Results ____________________________________________________________________________

( )
10 attendance points -The school contacts the parent/guardian. If a meeting * is necessary, a letter will be sent to arrange/confirm the meeting time and place.
Date of contact: ________________________ Method of contact: __________________________
Date letter was sent: _____________________ Date of meeting: ___________________________
Attendance contract * agreed upon by student/parent/school: Yes ___ No ___

( )
15 attendance points - The school principal sends a certified letter to the parent/guardian. The Truancy Mediation Program is explained as an option.
Date of letter: ____________________ Date postal receipt returned: ________________________
Date of mediation meeting: ________________________________________________________
Results: _______________________________________________________________________

( )
20 attendance points -The school will send all the documents to the Washington County School District's Assistant Superintendent for Elementary Education and a referral to DCFS/Juvenile Court for educational neglect/truancy will be made.
Date sent to District office: _________________________________

*Attach to the referral: attendance file, log entries from conversations or meetings with the student, parent, or agencies, and a photo copy or postal receipt of the certified letter.

Educational Neglect Referral Checklist:

Dates

( ) ________

1. Begin monitoring the student's attendance after 5th absence or 5 attendance points.

( ) ________

2. A school authority must counsel the student concerning absences and/or tardies.

( ) ________

3. Hold at least one meeting with child and the parent.

( ) ________

4. Make adjustments to the curriculum and/or schedule to help meet the needs of the student (attendance contract, etc.).

( ) ________

5. Involve community and law enforcement agencies in helping the student with his/her school attendance.

( ) ________

6. Send a written request (by certified mail) for parental support in securing regular attendance of their minor child.

( ) ________

7. Make referral to Juvenile Court for Educational Neglect / Truancy.

 

Attachment 2

Insert Date

To the parents of:

A Note of Concern
Your Child Has Been Missed
 

Dear Parents:

Please be aware that of this date, your child has accumulated five (5) or more attendance points. While this may not seem serious at this point in time, if allowed to continue, it could seriously affect your child's education. We offer this friendly reminder as a means of encouraging you to review this concern with your child and to encourage a higher level of attendance in the future.

We are aware that there may be a special reason for your child's absences. If this is the case, please call to communicate the circumstances. We, as a faculty, are trying to make sure we have reached the parents of all children who have five or more attendance points due to absences and/or tardies.

The faculty and staff at your school appreciate the opportunity to assist you with the education of your child.

Sincerely,

 

Child's teacher

1 day ABS = 1 pt.
1/2 day ABS = .5 pt.
<30 min tardy = .2 pt.
>30 min tardy = .3 pt.
 

 

Attachment 3
Insert Date

To the Parents of:

Dear Parents:

Regular attendance is necessary for your student to receive the maximum benefits from daily sequential instruction. Our records show that child's name has accumulated 10 or more attendance points including insert number absences and insert number tardies. Utah law and Washington County School District policy charge parents, guardians, and school administrators with the responsibility of ensuring that appropriate age children attend school daily. The "Utah State Compulsory Education Requirements" (Utah Code, Section 53A-11-101) directs parents and schools as follows:

1. A person having control of a minor between 6 and 18 years of age shall send the minor to a public or regularly established private school during the school year of the district in which the minor resides.

2. It is a misdemeanor for a person having control of a minor under subsection (1) to willfully fail to comply with the requirements of this chapter.

3. A local board of education shall report cases of willful noncompliance to the appropriate juvenile court.

4. Officers of the juvenile court shall immediately take appropriate action.

I am concerned and seek your cooperation. At this point, a meeting is necessary to construct a plan to better serve the educational needs of your student. Please contact the school at school's phone number to arrange a meeting to discuss a plan to help your student receive the education that will enable him/her to be successful in life.

Sincerely,

 
Administration
Your school name
 
1 day ABS = 1 pt.
1/2 day ABS = .5 pt.
<30 min tardy = .2 pt.
>30 min tardy = .3 pt.
 

Attachment 4

Insert Date

To the parents of:

Dear Parents:

I am deeply concerned about the continued absences of your child from school. Our records show student's name has accumulated 15 or more attendance points (number absences and number tardies) during the current school year. Frequent absences from the day-to-day classroom experience disrupt the instructional process. Furthermore, the benefits of instruction, once lost, cannot entirely be regained.

Several attempts have been made to work with you in resolving this problem, but all have failed to provide a positive result. the intent of this letter is to make you aware that there is legal obligation on the part of both the school and the family to provide for the education of our children.

The "Utah State Compulsory Education Requirements" (Utah Code, Section 53A-11-101) directs parents and schools as follows:

1. A person having control of a minor between 6 and 18 years of age shall send the minor to a public or regularly established private school during the school year of the district in which the minor resides.

2. It is a misdemeanor for a person having control of a minor under subsection (1) to willfully fail to comply with the requirements of this chapter.

3. A local board of education shall report cases of willful noncompliance to the appropriate juvenile court.

4. Officers of the juvenile court shall immediately take appropriate action.

By way of correction, you may desire a neutral third party mediator to help resolve this matter. Several community members have been trained specifically in the "Truancy Mediation Program," under the direction of the juvenile court system to aid in the communication process between families and schools. Please let me know if you would like to know more about this program or to schedule an appointment with a mediator.

If I do not hear from you concerning this, a referral to juvenile court for truancy and/or educational neglect will be made.

Sincerely,

 
Administration

Your school name

 

WCSD Home | Policy Index | Schools Page

Attendance Policy Summary

Distribution: Board Members, Superintendent, Associations, Assistant Superintendents, Administrators and Principals.