Effects of absences
One important factor affecting a student’s success in school is regular and punctual attendance. Frequent absences may lead to poor academic work, lack of social development and possible academic failure. No single factor may interfere with a student’s progress more quickly than frequent absences.
What is the definition of truancy?
A student who is absent three days from school without a valid excuse is truant.
When do procedures for truancy begin?
A student is considered habitually truant on the sixth unexcused absence. The Fort Knox Community Schools will begin the truancy process at six unexcused absences. A half day is equal to two class periods.
How many parent notes or phone calls will be accepted?
Students can submit a signed note from their sponsor/parent or a phone call to excuse an absence. Students may use up to six of these notes or phone calls per school year. These notes or phone calls will only excuse a total of six days. After a student has used those six notes/phone calls, documentation from a physician for illness or otherwise for absences will be needed.
What are the guidelines for using parent notes or calls?
All parent notes must be written and signed by the parent/sponsor. The notes are kept on file. All attendance phone calls must be made in a timely manner to the office, preferably to the office on the day of the absence. Calls made too long after the absence will be handled at the discretion of the administration and further documentation may be required. Only six calls and/or notes regarding student absences will be accepted for the school year.
What about student illness after the six parent notes or calls have been used?
Any absence beyond six days due to illness must be verified by a doctor’s statement in order for it to be considered excused.
What procedures will be used by the Fort Knox Community Schools for dealing with truancy?
On the sixth absence, a final notice letter will be delivered. At the high school level, both the student and the parent will receive a copy of the letter to ensure both are aware of exactly where they are in the process. The final notice letter will contain the dates of all absences and note if the absence was excused or unexcused. If the student has an acceptable excuse for one of the unexcused absences, it needs to be brought to the attention of the administration as soon as possible.
What if the parent is not at home when the home visit is made?
The confidential information in the final notice letter will be in a sealed envelope and addressed to the parent/sponsor. The school will make every effort to ensure that the final notice letter is delivered to the parent/sponsor either at work or at home. If such a delivery is not possible, arrangements will be made otherwise in conjunction with the parent.
What happens if a student continues to miss more days after the final notice has been given?
Once the final notice has been given, the parent/sponsor and the student should work together to ensure no more unexcused absences occur. If the student continues to miss, the student along with the parent/sponsor will be scheduled for mediation.
What is mediation?
Mediation is an effort to help the parent/sponsor and the student understand the importance of being present at school. In a letter from the superintendent’s office, the parent/sponsor will be informed of the date, time, and location of the mediation meeting. During mediation, a contract will be signed by both the parent/sponsor and the student. Underlying reasons for truancy will be discussed and hopefully remedied. Mediation is the final step before court proceedings occur.
What if a student continues to have unexcused absences after mediation?
If the student is 13 years old or older, a truancy petition will be filed with the Court Designated Worker in the juvenile division of the Hardin Circuit Family Court. This petition will be filed upon the student. Either the parent or the student or both can be held responsible for the absences.
What is the result of a petition being filed?
Upon the referral of the Court Designated Worker, the matter will be set for a hearing date. The parent/sponsor will need to provide legal council for the student at that time. The parent/sponsor also will be responsible for any court costs or a significant amount of community service in lieu thereof.
From this point, the court will give the parent guidelines and directions on the truancy issues. If those guidelines are not followed, a contempt motion will be filed with the court.
IT IS THE WISHES OF THE FORT KNOX COMMUNITY SCHOOLS THAT ONCE A FINAL NOTICE LETTER IS GIVEN, A STUDENT WILL HAVE NO ADDITIONAL UNEXCUSED ABSENCES. IF THIS IS THE CASE, NO FURTHER ACTION WILL BE TAKEN.
