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Old October 25th 03, 01:39 PM
Donna Metler
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Default Bright 2nd grader & school truancy / part-time home-school?


"Vicki" wrote in message
news
"GI Trekker" wrote
I highly recommend homeschooling and finding other ways for your child

to
see
her friends -- after school, weekends. This "truancy" argument sounds

more
than
a bit like a threat. One thing to always remember in matters like

this --
this
is YOUR child. NOT the school's and NOT the state's.

My mother faced a similar situation one time with me in the third grade,

not
with regard to truancy, but with regard to an absolute horrible teacher

who
distinctly despised me. The feeling was mutual. She also had a soft spot

for
the biggest bully in the school. The overall situation got so out of

hand
that
the school board and my mother had a discussion. Of course they tried to
intimidate her, and gave preference to the teacher's statements over

mine.
But
my mother was not the type to be readily intimidated, and the school

board
eventually had to back down and had to persuade the teacher to back off

in
her
treatment of me.

Bottom line on truancy -- what the schools are most concerned about is

that
every student who doesn't show up is ultimately money lost in their

school
budget. That's why they may try to intimidate you in these forthcoming
meetings. Do not let them, and please give serious consideration to

full-time
homeschooling. It sounds like it would be the best optional

educationally.

Luckily dd's teacher is very nice. The principal seems good. We're

friends
with people on the school board. We are supportive of the school and have
had a good relationship in the past. dh volunteered in the classroom last
year. We initiated and donated money to start a community fund to finance
special projects or trips that teachers might want to do... I'm not

saying
that the letter from the principal *isn't* about money... it just seems
misguided if that's what its about. It surprised us, got our attention...
but not in a good way. I'm angered by the letter. Maybe she is required

to
send the letter and has no over-ride authority. I don't see this as an
issue the school board would have authority over... I don't know who

we're
supposed to talk with, and what options are legal. dd will be truant by
their definition. Then what? I don't know.

She is almost certainly required by law to send it. I would strongly suggest
getting documentation from your doctor, if possible, on past absenses, and
certainly getting documentation for ANY further medical absense.

Your state education code should be online, and will give truancy statutes.


dd rejected ft home school, and that's ok w/us right now. Maybe we'll
change our tune if we can't resolve this.
Thank you.
Vicki