WWYD? 5 yo is "truant" - Page 3

[yippityskippity]

Originally Posted by straighthaircurly

It sounds like from other CA families that if you are proactive about communicating with the school ahead of time and planning an Independent Study that involves periodic field trips with you then the school would have their "out".

In both situations the school knew in advance about the dates and nature of the trips and didn't say a single thing about "truancy" or unexcused absence policy or any other such thing. I was being a "good" PS parent. I was communicating. They just weren't communicating BACK... except in the form of a nastygram after the fact. That's part of why their response makes me so mad.

That and the fact that a student can only have TWO unexcused days over the course of 9 months (The 3rd day and beyond are labeled truancy). And yet they have the audacity to claim that it's "for the children." Bull. It's "for the funding." Three unexcused absences doesn't suggest abuse, neglect or anything beyond the fact that the student has a life apart from school that's cutting into the organization's bottom line.

[eilonwy]

Originally Posted by yippityskippity

Three unexcused absences doesn't suggest abuse, neglect or anything beyond the fact that the student has a life apart from school that's cutting into the organization's bottom line.

I think you've found your bottom line right here, and I wholeheartedly agree.

[Emmeline II]

Originally Posted by yippityskippity http://www.mothering.com/discussions...s/viewpost.gif
Three unexcused absences doesn't suggest abuse, neglect or anything beyond the fact that the student has a life apart from school that's cutting into the organization's bottom line.

Originally Posted by eilonwy

I think you've found your bottom line right here, and I wholeheartedly agree.

As once enrolled, the attendance policy applies, I agree that this is her justification; that, and she gave advanced notice.

[Mandynee22]

I wouldn't get all angry just yet. It could just be school policy and the principal might just say "sorry, we have to send the letter out because of state/county regs"
Is the school doing badly? Attendance/tardiness of the students could affect their "grades" for the school. That could be another reason.
DD has been tardy 17 times this year. She dilly dallies and if she misses the bus I bring her but it takes a while to get DS ready and so on and on the days I do meals on wheels it's even later because i take her on the way... anyway, no one's ever said anything but in the handbook, it says it's a big no no.

[MommaShark]

It's just a form letter that all kids get - mandated by the state - but she's 5 so it's not compulsory for her to be there - take it with a grain of salt!

[yippityskippity]

Things have been resolved with the school. They even said I could take her out for more unexcused days. So I really don't see the point of the harsh, threatening tone of the letter. I'm also frustrated with the fact that there was NO communication but a form letter nastygram. But, it's over now, so that's good.

But it has just reinforced our decision to homeschool. I'm just not cut out for dealing with bureaucracy. I see a better, more relaxed future possible for my little family. So now I'm counting down the days until we homeschool. I'm not sure exactly when that will start, though. Sadly, it probably won't be until next school year, though I'd LOVE to do it sooner.

[lauren]

I'm glad you were able to come to some resolution with the school and to get the additional days approved!

I'm glad you were also able to reach a decision about what type of schooling will work for your family.

Good luck making it through the school year, and with the transition to homeschooling!