My step grand daughter

[bambii]

has missed 17 days of school, We just found that out. and her mom never calls the school saying she will be sick.. my granddaughter is in the 2nd grade. I dont understand...how parents can be so lax in their child's eduactaion she missesd about two weeks when she broke her elbow. but my step daughter never called the school or got a note from the doctor, then when my step daugther gets days off at work, her daughter gets those days off from school. and then she never calls. I believe you should always call the school for safety reasons..The school called her up and asked why she is missing 17 days. in South dakota if the child misses 20 excused or unexcused will be retained unless the attendance requirement is waived by the attendance committee or the student may be required to complete a summer school program. I m going to look up what my grandchilds school policy is later today...

 

[Stepharoonie!]

 

[floridaminnie]

How long did the school wait to do something. After students have missed an excessive amount of day (not in a row even) with lack of phonecalls, the social worker usually goes out.

 

[RitaZ.]

Do you know if the school has looked into it?

Here in FL, there is a truancy prevention program. I forget the specifics, but if a child has several unexcused absences, the state attorney's office can prosecute the parents.

 

[Lisa L from MI]

Back in 2001-2002 school year, my kids had about 15 absences by this time of year. We had our 2 wk WDW/cruise that year and the kids were sick quite a bit.
I actually got a letter from the school about the absences. I had to fill out this form (from the state of michigan). I was pretty upset since they were all excused and the trip absences were discussed way prior.

Anyway, I went in to talk to the principle and she told me that every year they have to do a type of "audit" for the state. They randomly give a number of absences and the school has to contact everyone who exceeded that number even if they were excused (dr notes etc)....

Just thought.....my kids have not missed a day yet this school year for being sick (knock on wood).....just a Friday here and there when we went camping at the beginning and our trip to OH/PA.

 

[kilee]

Our school has no attendance policy for elementary school children. I think this is rare. Once they enter the jr/high school they instill a 20 some odd day policy. Our school also considers family vacations to be a legal absence. So, maybe they are more progressive/alternative in their thoughts (who knows).