Truancy is defined as being absent from school without a valid excuse or reason.  Truancy means a students does not have permission or a valid reason for:

• Arriving late to school or classes
• Checking out of school early on a regular basis
• Skipping school or selected classes
• Absent without parental consent or knowledge
• Failure to turn in excuses for absences/tardies
• Failure to return to school after suspension

How does truancy affect students?
Students with truancy problems may be more likely to:

• Do poorly in school
• Quit/drop-out of school
• Get into trouble with the law
• Join a gang
• Use alcohol or drugs
• Have low self-esteem
• Lose privileges or suffer other punishments

Elementary schools' doors open at 7:20AM each day and instructional time begins at 8:00AM. 
Students not in their classes by 8:00AM are marked TARDY
and should report to the school's office to be signed in by their
parent(s)/guardian(s).  They will receive a pass and be
admitted to their assigned classes.

Students who have been approved by the superintendent to attend a school out of their home zone
may be transferred/reassigned back to their area zoned-school
if they are tardy or absent more than ten days.

Parent(s)/guardian(s) of students who are absent five days, EXCUSED OR UNEXCUSED,
will receive a letter from the child(ren)'s school as just a reminder. 
After ten days of UNEXCUSED absences, parents will receive a second
letter noting this new development as well as the possibility of the school
social worker and/or the truancy officer becoming involved.

Ten unexcused tardies equal one excused absence.  A doctor's or dentist's note for an appointment
is an excused tardy.  Therefore, end of the year recognition for perfect attendance
will be affected if students are tardy/late to school/class more than ten days.

Regular school attendance gives children a solid foundation for a happier and more successful future. 
Everyone benefits when children attend school regularly.  Parents can and will influence their
children's attitude toward school and learning through what they say and more importantly,
by what they do.  We need everyone to work with us in making this aspect of school a total success.