All children who reside in the district and are of legal school age are eligible to attend school. The admission of pupils shall be strictly in accordance with the provisions of the statutes and Board policies. The approval of the Board is required for the admission of nonresident pupils.
Regular and prompt attendance is necessary for satisfactory progress. A written excuse from the parent or guardian shall be required for any absence. Any child who has been absent three or more consecutive days may be asked for a health certificate from his/her physician or a readmission slip from the school nurse or Principal.
Parents should make every effort to schedule medical or dental appointments after school hours whenever possible.
WSESU ELEMENTARY SCHOOL PROTOCOL
Purpose: To insure that the students and their families in WSESU elementary and K-8 schools have support in insuring attendance at school. The intent is to insure that students are in school and learning. Daily school attendance is critical to successful school performance. Being present on time is a life skill to be cultivated. The long term goal is for all students to gain an education and all that it makes possible. Measurable outcomes include an increase in attendance rates, a reduction of the drop-out rate (K-12) and the number of juveniles on the DCF caseload.
Process:
This school attendance protocol utilizes a team approach, if necessary, to explore with the student and family what obstacles are hindering school attendance. An individualized plan will be developed to increase school attendance. Follow-up steps are set to assess if the plan is working for the student and the family. Records are kept in school files of all contacts related to this protocol made with the family of the student
Tardiness: Tardiness is a disruption to the educational process. It sets a tone that devalues education. It disrupts the child's schedule for the school day.
After five tardy days—Teacher contacts family in person or by phone. Letter to go out to family from principal.
After seven tardy days—Letter to go out to family from principal. Parent meeting scheduled with counselor and teacher.
After ten tardy days~ Letter to go out to family from principal. Parent meeting scheduled with principal, counselor and teacher. At the meeting, a waiver is signed by the family to allow discussion between the school and outside agencies if necessary.
Absences - both excused and unexcused:
After five absent days ~ Phone call or letter to go out to family.
After seven absent days—Letter to go out to family, including if appropriate a request for a doctor's note for any future absences. Parent meeting may be scheduled with Educational Support Team, (EST) or school personnel.
At the meeting, a waiver is signed by the family to allow discussion between the school and outside agencies if necessary. Law enforcement referral shall be made. Law enforcement may assist in getting waiver signed.
After ten absent days—
Letter to go out to family. Parent meeting scheduled if appropriate with school personnel and representatives from outside agencies and programs. These could include the WSESU Parent Liaison Program, Youth Services, HCRS, and other community agency support
After fifteen absent days –Letter goes out to family. Referral may be made to DCF. Dependent on the DCF assessment. Affidavit goes to Windham County State's Attorney
Dependent on the State's The State's Attorney makes the decision whether the case Attorney's assessment should go to Windham County Family Court or District Court.
Missed Conference Meetings If a parent misses a conference regarding tardiness or absences, a follow up letter will be sent after seven days
After ten days –If a conference regarding absences is missed, DCF may be contacted.