NPMS & ATTENDANCE

Missing School Is No Big Deal...Or Is It?

Research has shown that attendance has a significant impact on student achievement and attitude toward learning. Chronically absent students are gone an average of 2 times per month, totaling 18 days or 10% of the school year.

• By 6th grade, chronic absence becomes a leading indicator that a student will drop out of high school.

• In 8th grade, a chronically absent student scores an average of 19 points lower on NAEP test than students who showed good attendance.

• Between 8th and 12th grade, a student who is chronically absent is 7.4 times more likely to drop out.

• By college, a chronically absent high school graduate has only an 11% chance of receiving any college degree.

How New Prague Middle School Responds to attendance concerns sends a message about the value we place on upholding our commitments to the importance of school.

New Prague Middle School's Attendance Procedure

The typical student has 7-8 absences per school year. The school will being sending attendance letters when there is a pattern of absences.

• Letter one will share that the schools staff are concerned about your child's attendance, as well as an indication of the total days your child has missed.

• If absences continue upon receipt of letter one, you and your child will have contact with a school representative to discuss ways to improve attendance

• You may then be sent a letter that will require you to provide a doctor's note to excuse any further absences

• If a pattern of absences continue, you may receive a letter or phone call requiring you to set up a school support plan with counselors and administration to help ensure your child's regular attendance

• If absences continue beyond these measures listed, the school may file truancy with the county

*If your child has a history of attendance issues, these steps may proceed more quickly

What is Truancy?

Truancy is described as staying away from school without a valid reason, being absent without cause. Attending school is the law. If you are not attending school, you may be referred to the county for truancy.

Have a Good Reason for Missing School?

Although a parent and/or guardian can seek an excused absence for his/her child, "a school has the right to accept or deny an application for an excused absence" -Scott County Truancy Policy

Valid Excuses for Missing School may Include:

• Significant illness-although you may have to provide a doctor's note

• Medical treatment, including mental health

• Religious Holidays

• Death in the family

• Family Emergencies

Invalid Excuses for Missing School may Include:

• Being tired

• Common cold

• Minor ailment (headache, allergies, etc.)

• Travel/vacation

• Student is needed at home

• Cold weather

• Missed the bus

• Staying at home to babysit

Plan for Success!

Parent Responsibilities:

• Tell your children school is important to you.

• Have a set bedtime and morning routine for your child.

• Communicate with the school and know the attendance policy.

• Ask why your child does not want to attend school if they are hesitant to go.

• Get your child services if problems interfere with attendance (your School Counselor and Social Worker can help with this).

• Attend school meetings.

Student Responsibilities:

• Attend school everyday on time.

• Talk to someone at school if you are having problems.

• Know and follow the schools policies and rules.

School Responsibilities:

• Provide a program or schedule that meets the student's education needs.

• Address problems identified as barriers to the student's ability to attend and learn.

• Maintain accurate attendance records and document communication with parents/guardians and the student about attendance.

Let's Work Together

Here at New Prague Middle School, helping your child succeed is very important to us. We are willing and eager to help. If you are having difficulty getting your child to attend school, please call us, as we have trained staff that are able to help you. School and parent(s) and/or guardian(s) are a team! If you have a student that is struggling with attendance, there may be some root cause that we can address, such as anxiety, academic struggles, or friendship issues. We are here to support your student and your family through anything that may arise.

Truancy Information

The Diversion Process

• The diversion process begins with the initial efforts between student, family and school. Students and families who engage with school staff in an attempt to develop a plan to increase attendance have higher rates of changing the behavior. Therefore, early responses from parents when their child first begins to show signs of avoiding school is essential to increasing school attendance and therefore overall school success.

• Youth under the age of 12 years old may be referred to Health and Human Services for unexcused absences equaling 7 or more school days. During that age it is important that parents realize they are determined as 100% responsible in assuring their children are enrolled and attending school.

• Youth who are 12 years old through 17 years old may be referred to the County Attorney’s Office once their unexcused absences have reached 7 full school days and attempts to increase school attendance through collaboration with school staff have been unsuccessful.

Possible Consequences of Not Attending School:

Students and parents should be aware that once a truancy referral has been accepted by the County Attorney’s Office sanctions may be requested of the court including:

• Court adjudication as a "child in need of protection or services";

• Mandatory meetings with probation or social services;

• Community Service or Sentence to Serve (including weekends); Fines up to $100;

• Suspension or denial of driving privileges (to age 18);

• Counseling for child and parents;

• Chemical or mental health evaluations / services / programs;

• Any other activities or treatment programs deemed appropriate by the court, etc.).

Referral to the County

• If the school has followed the diversion process but has been unsuccessful, they may refer the case to the Scott County Attorney’s Office by submitting the Offense Report (forms section). The referral will be screened for necessary documentation and, if approved. will forward it to the appropriate Truancy Worker.

Interventions by Truancy Worker

• The Truancy Worker will offer the student/family an opportunity to participate voluntarily in the County’s Truancy Diversion. If the student/family declines, the case may be referred for court intervention by the County Attorney’s Office.

The Truancy Worker May:

• Develop a diversion agreement based on the strengths and needs of the student/family.

• Assist with referrals for appropriate assessments/services/supports.

• Monitor school attendance.

• Coordinate with school staff regarding ongoing attendance concerns or progress.

• Meet with the student/family at least once per month while attendance concerns exist.

• Discuss alternative education or treatment options that might address specific needs of the student/family.

• Refer to the Truancy Diversion Team to screen for possible court intervention as needed.