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Bright 2nd grader & school truancy / part-time home-school?
Today we received a warning letter for truancy for our 2nd grader. The
principal said she was concerned about dd's absences. I am not concerned about dd's absences--she is bright, she knows the material [she's missed five days this month, but received 100 on her test for materials covered.] I don't think the teacher is concerned. But the principal said dd is only allowed 5 excused absences per semester. I'm not happy about the possibility of legal sanctions for keeping dd home (she was sick this month, but I wouldn't hesitate to take her out of school for other things we feel are important.) Can they prosecute us for truancy when dd is top of her class? I don't see the harm to anyone in dd not going. And she *will* miss more school at Thanksgiving (important family time.) We had planned to talk at school conferences about keeping dd home one day per week, or bi-weekly, to enhance her education. But from what I've read about truancy laws tonight, this doesn't seem to be allowable. Has anyone done this or know if it is doable? dd does not want to homeschool full-time--she likes seeing her friends at school and we think this is good for her. We have discussed getting appropriate challenge in her classroom--the teacher has been helpful, but there is only so much she can do. We chose not to skip dd to the next grade as she is already the youngest in her class. Have others faced this truancy problem? How do you approach it? If this is a law (5 days/semester,) does the principal have much leeway in enforcing it? If not, then who do we talk with? The DA? Is it possible to homeschool part-time (the days dd misses) and avoid a truancy enforcement? Could we test out of second grade and attendance be optional? dh is calling the principal next week, and we will meet with dd's teacher in three weeks. I'd like to have a sense of our options before we go so we do what's right by dd and cause the least distress to her teacher and principal (who are quite nice.) Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thank you. Vicki |
#2
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Bright 2nd grader & school truancy / part-time home-school?
"Vicki" wrote in message news : Today we received a warning letter for truancy for our 2nd grader. The : principal said she was concerned about dd's absences. I am not concerned : about dd's absences--she is bright, she knows the material [she's missed : five days this month, but received 100 on her test for materials covered.] : I don't think the teacher is concerned. But the principal said dd is only : allowed 5 excused absences per semester. : : I'm not happy about the possibility of legal sanctions for keeping dd home : (she was sick this month, but I wouldn't hesitate to take her out of school : for other things we feel are important.) Can they prosecute us for truancy : when dd is top of her class? I don't see the harm to anyone in dd not : going. And she *will* miss more school at Thanksgiving (important family : time.) : : We had planned to talk at school conferences about keeping dd home one day : per week, or bi-weekly, to enhance her education. But from what I've read : about truancy laws tonight, this doesn't seem to be allowable. Has anyone : done this or know if it is doable? : : dd does not want to homeschool full-time--she likes seeing her friends at : school and we think this is good for her. We have discussed getting : appropriate challenge in her classroom--the teacher has been helpful, but : there is only so much she can do. We chose not to skip dd to the next grade : as she is already the youngest in her class. : : Have others faced this truancy problem? How do you approach it? If this is : a law (5 days/semester,) does the principal have much leeway in enforcing : it? If not, then who do we talk with? The DA? Is it possible to : homeschool part-time (the days dd misses) and avoid a truancy enforcement? : Could we test out of second grade and attendance be optional? : : dh is calling the principal next week, and we will meet with dd's teacher in : three weeks. I'd like to have a sense of our options before we go so we do : what's right by dd and cause the least distress to her teacher and principal : (who are quite nice.) Any help would be greatly appreciated. : Thank you. If your child is missing school because she's sick, then she is *not* truant. The school cannot punish/penalized you or her for missing due to illness. They may require that you provide a doctor's note (which is a real PITA since it means you have to take her to the doctor if she's sick), but that's as far as they can go. If her absences are "unexcused"--IOW not due to illness, a funeral, etc.--then they *can* penalize you. In fact in my area the courts can actually fine the parents $2500 per day for each unexcused absence. This only occurs in extreme circumstances where the parents obviously just don't give a s**t about their child's education. Your statement about "taking her out of school for things you feel are important" is getting pretty close to the line. I wouldn't want to stand in front of a judge and try to explain that one. As for keeping her at home 1 day a week for "home schooling," IMO that's a big mistake, and they could definitely come after you for truancy for that. If you want to home school, then do it, but don't do it half way. If she misses 20% of the school days, then she'll miss 20% of the material that her teacher expects her to learn--or you will unreasonably expect her teacher to spend additional time every week helping your daughter get caught up on material she missed. If you don't want to do full-on home schooling, then do it on Saturdays instead of on a regular school day. -- ColoradoSkiBum |
#3
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Bright 2nd grader & school truancy / part-time home-school?
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. |
#4
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Bright 2nd grader & school truancy / part-time home-school?
"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. 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 |
#5
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Bright 2nd grader & school truancy / part-time home-school?
In article ,
"Vicki" wrote: "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. Don't get too caught up being upset about the letter itself: in many districts, they are pretty automatic. If your child misses a certain number of days, the system automatically kicks out a letter to send to you, and the letters all say the same thing. Depending upon the size of the school, the principal may even have someone else signing the letters the computer kicks out. Lord knows, I've seen enough of them -- both for a child who was desperately ill and missed an enormous amount of school, and for a child who had truancy issues. 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. 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. meh -- Children won't care how much you know until they know how much you care |
#6
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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." |
#7
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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 |
#8
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Bright 2nd grader & school truancy / part-time home-school?
"Donna Metler" wrote in message
... .. 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. I second that motion. School Districts vary considerably in both rules and how they are applied. For example, this school district I live in allows only ten excused absences a year or you are retained. It is extreemly difficult to obtain an exception, even for participation in national level amateur sports teams [issue last school year], serious illnesses lasting longer than 10 days, etc. A lot of parents in this area are hopping mad about it. Same State, next school District away, not an issue at all, they are much more understanding of why a child may be out for an excused reason. So, look into your State and school district's rules and applications thereof very closely and know that while we can give you anecdotal evidence, it all comes down to your school district and how you interact with it. Good luck! -A, in Florida -- see my creative works on ebay under aulame 123 |
#9
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Bright 2nd grader & school truancy / part-time home-school?
"Donna Metler" wrote :
Vicki wrote: 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. Do you think my doctor will give me documentation for dd having the flu three weeks ago when we didn't visit the office? I'll call and ask. Do most of you take your kids to the doctor when they have the flu? I did call the nurse's line b/c we thought it might be meningitis, but I don't know if they document that, I'll have to call the hospital and ask. It'll be a good use of their time to look through the records, to prove my dd was sick. Egads. This boils my blood. If everyone is being required to take their kids to the doctor when they have a fever in order to let them rest at home, then no wonder our health insurance rates are going up. What a nutty law. |
#10
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Bright 2nd grader & school truancy / part-time home-school?
: 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. Right. And if your child is absent so often that the school is not getting any money for her, then they should not be required to educate your child *at all.* -- ColoradoSkiBum |
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