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for Parents » Eaton Rapids Public Schools Attendance and Truancy Policy

Eaton Rapids Public Schools Attendance and Truancy Policy

EATON RAPIDS ATTENDANCE/TRUANCY POLICY


Attendance

Regular and punctual attendance is essential to a student’s success at school. When students are absent, a parent/guardian is expected to notify the school office as soon as possible regarding the absence. An answering machine is available outside of school hours.

  •  When students arrive late or leave early from school an adult MUST sign them in or out at the office. 
  • Pre-determined absences: If it is known in advance that absences from school must occur, a note stating the dates and reasons for the absence should be submitted to the teacher and office prior to the absence. It is advised that parents/guardians contact teachers before making decisions about taking students on trips during the school year to determine the effect these absences may have on their child’s academic performance. 

Truancy Policy Notification

Consistent with the guidelines of the district’s truancy procedures:

  • Parents/guardians will receive notification letters when students have accumulated different thresholds. Truancy letters are generated on a monthly basis. 

Referrals to Truancy Court

The Eaton Rapids Public Schools are committed to student academic engagement. To that extent, the schools will work with the Eaton County Court System to enforce the State of Michigan mandatory attendance law and eliminate truancy in our school district.

  • According to the policy of the Eaton Rapids Public Schools, students who accumulate ten (10) absences per semester (excused and unexcused count together) may be referred to the county Truancy Intervention Program (TIP). District policy describes truancy as: “a student being absent from school without permission, chronic tardiness, or excessive absences.” It will be at the discretion of the building administrator to decide if the student’s absences merit a truancy referral. 
  • Before a student is referred for truancy, the school district will work with the parent/guardian of the student to “get them back in school” immediately. Failure on the part of the parent/guardian to do so will result in a referral to the Truancy Intervention Program (TIP). 
  • TIP offers support to parents and students in Eaton County and at the same time, enforces Michigan’s Compulsory School Attendance Act. TIP provides positive support to increase continuous and consecutive school attendance. The Court requires the parent/guardian and student to participate in the age appropriate TIP program until the attendance problem is resolved. Failure to do so will result in more formal court involvement.