2022-2023 Independence Middle School Handbook

After three (3) unexcused absences from school, the principal, or his/her designee, will meet with the student and send a letter to the parent or guardian reminding of the importance of consistent attendance to school. A. After five (5) unexcused absences from school, the Principal will convene the School Based Attendance Committee and will request that the student, along with the parent or guardian attend the meeting. During this meeting the reason(s) for the student’s absences will be addressed and action will be taken as needed. A record of the meeting will be maintained. Should the parent or guardian refuse to attend or be uncooperative, the Principal is directed to refer the case to the School Social Worker for further action. B. After six (6) unexcused absences from school, the Principal will refer the case to the Grayson County Community Based Attendance Committee for a closed hearing, which the student, parent(s) and/or guardian(s), and the Principal/principal designee will be required to attend. The committee will ascertain all facts of each case and determine a course of action which is in the best interest of the student involved and the school system to enforce the compulsory attendance rules. The committee will consider recommending the following: (1) filing a complaint with the juvenile and domestic relations court alleging the pupil is a child in need of supervision as defined in Chapter 16.1-229 or (2) instituting proceedings against the parent pursuant to Chapter 18.2-371 or Chapter 22.1-262 or (3) send the case back to the school and request more intervention at the building level. If the student’s parents have joint physical custody of the student and the school has notice of the custody arrangement, then both parents shall be notified at their last known addresses. A. School Based Attendance Committee Each school shall form a committee to act upon serious or persistent problems and cases of truancy. A brief written statement of the problem(s) and the efforts that have been made to affect a solution will be maintained and documented for each convened meeting. The membership of the committee may consist of a school administrator, a guidance counselor, vocational administrator (if appropriate), and a classroom teacher. The school resource officer will be available to serve on each School-Based Attendance Committee when the principal determines it is appropriate and necessary. Additional staff can be added to a committee as appropriate. IV. ATTENDANCE COMMITTEES

38 GRAYSON COUNTY PUBLIC SCHOOLS