Attendance Policy for Carman-Ainsworth Elementary Schools

Every student needs to be at school, on time, everyday unless s/he is unable to learn.

If a student will not be present or on time, then a parent or guardian must notify the school as to the reason for the tardy or absence (and/ or provide any possible medical documentation).

The district’s policy on absences and tardies is stated below.

TARDIES:

If tardiness begins to impact student learning/ success, a conversation shall be held with the parent or guardian, student and the appropriate school staff member to develop a plan to ensure the student gets to school on time every day. If the parent cannot be reached for a conversation, then a message will be left or a letter will be sent making the parent aware of the tardiness problem and formally inviting them to discuss the matter with the school. If your child is more than one hour late or leaves school more than one hour early, it is considered a half day absence. Children who arrive after instruction begins or leave before instruction ends will be marked tardy or left early.

ABSENCES:

• When a student reaches (5-9) absences, the student’s teacher will call home.
• At (10-14) absences, a conversation will be held with the parent/ guardian, student and the appropriate school staff member to discuss the importance of attendance and develop a plan to ensure consistent attendance. If the parent cannot be reached for a conversation then a message will be left or a letter will be sent making the parent aware of the attendance problem and formally inviting them to discuss the matter with the school.
• At (15-19) absences, a letter will be sent home stating the Compulsory Attendance Act.
• At (20-24) absences, a letter will be sent home and a meeting scheduled to revisit the plan. This meeting may include the GISD Attendance Liaison and the parent will be made aware of the possible consequences for any more excessive absences/ tardiness.
• If the student’s attendance reaches (25 or more) absences, a letter will be sent home stating that a court petition has been filed with the Genesee County Circuit Court.

*Note:  Your child can be “excused” for certain documented reasons such as: personal illness, medical/dental appointments, court appointments or legal matters, death in the immediate family, approved religious holidays or an emergency or special set of circumstances judged as sufficient cause by school authorities.

The school must have record of the excused absences and if the student reaches (25) or more absences for the school year, school officials will review the documentation in order to determine whether a court petition will be filed.