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Old October 28th 03, 02:14 AM
Vicki
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Default Bright 2nd grader & school truancy / part-time home-school?

"dragonlady" wrote:
If you've been calling the school to tell them of her absences, and that
she's been sick, they are not truancies, but they should be excused
absences. If you have NOT been calling the school to tell them why
she's not at school, they are, technically, truancies, and there could
be some nasty actions regarding this. If you call the school to tell
them you are taking her out for something that YOU think is important
but they do not excuse it, it is a truancy.


I have called to let the school know that dd was out sick. It seems that if
a child has more than 5 *parent excused* absences per semester (for
sickness, appointments, etc.) then they are truant. If a child is 5 minutes
late one day, that counts as one of their absences. So, sick or tardy, you
get 5 per semester. After that you need a doctors excuse. Since we're
taking her to see terminally-ill relations soon, she will go over the top,
even without additional illness. Something WE think is important for her IS
important for her. The idea that they could fine us for exercizing parental
authority is just SO ridiculous. Anyhow. We are coming to grips with this,
and I have to say, I am angry. What a stupid system.

Today dd came home complaining about a headache and stomache ache. Her
brother's have both been down with fevers and complained about stomach pain
and headaches, so I don't think this is an emotional issue. Still, I asked
about what went on in school today to feel out that possibility, and
everything sounds fine. If dd is feeling bad tomorrow, I am supposed to
either send her or call the doctor and get an excuse. This is insane.
Imagine if I was without health insurance--I'd surely end up with truant
kids. Even with health insurance, I'm not going to take her to the doctor
for the flu... that is just ridiculous.

It would not surprise me to find out that after five truancies in one
semester they would take action; it would surprise me to find out that
they would disallow any more than five excused absenses. However, the
only way to know what is and is not the law vs. optional is to talk to a
local lawyer -- one who knows both the state law wherever you are, and
any local school board rulings. A newsgroup, with people from all over
the world, can't tell you those things. If you are very concerned, I'd
make an appointment with a lawyer who specializes in these things.


Thanks. Good idea. dh wants to get a group of parent's together who have
had similar problems with this and go to the schoolboard and legislature and
get the law changed. So maybe dd will inadvertently get a great education
this year. "Stupid laws and how to change them." Either that or "Stupid
laws and opting out of the system."