What You Should Know...
The Florida State Statutes set out attendance requirements for students attending kindergarten through age 16, and procedures that must be followed when certain non-compliance thresholds are met. "Attendance Records" include both Absences and Tardies (Late/Leave Early).
Attendance Letters are generated by the School District Record System when the student meets certain absence, and tardy, thresholds that may exhibit a pattern of non-attendance. Parents are encouraged to contact the Attendance Clerk to obtain guidance to bring the student's record back in compliance with attendance requirements.
A meeting must be scheduled with the parent or guardian when non-attendance issues continue to develop, to identify potential remedies and bring the student's record back in compliance with attendance requirements. Some simple remedies may include:
- Submitting Written Excuse from parent/guardian
- Provide Dr. Note or other Welfare documentation
- Discussing incentive programs to encourage student arrival to be on time
- Establish a Contract of Understanding with parent/guardian on attendance requirements that will provide guidance for a two (2) year period
In some instances, the School Social Worker is available to meet with parent/guardians to discuss community services or other incentives that may assist in correcting non-attendance issues. (Additional referrals are discussed in the Student Handbook)