What is a Lawful vs. What if my child has Unlawful Absence? excessive absences? Each school’s responsibility is to record attendance for each student. A lawful or If a student’s attendance becomes a concern, excused absence is considered under the they may be referred for interventions to following circumstances: increase regular school attendance. The following are possible interventions: Illness of student or student’s child What is the policy? Death in immediate family Required doctor’s note for excessive Observance of a religious holiday or chronic absences State emergency or hazardous Letters of notification informing Children between the ages of 5 and 17 must weather conditions parents of concern attend school per Maryland state law. Court summons Home visits Maryland recognizes home instruction as an Suspension Parent phone calls/meetings alternative to public school enrollment as a Work approved or sponsored by the School counselor support means of meeting the compulsory school Attendance intervention attendance law. A child must be formally Failure of MCPS authorized plans/contracts enrolled in home instruction. transportation to eligible students Referrals to outside agencies Referrals to Attendance Matters For Kindergarten students, state law allows Any absences for reasons than those Referrals to Truancy Review Board for 3 exceptions to the attendance specified above are considered unexcused or Referrals to court requirement: for immaturity; for attendance unlawful unless permitted at the discretion of in a licensed child-care center; or for the principal/designee. Normally, absences attendance in a registered family day-care for travel are not lawful or excused. home. Importance of Good What is the definition Attendance of Truancy? Regular school attendance is the key to high Truancy is defined as a student who has school graduation and future achievement. more than 20% unlawful or unexcused Poor attendance in elementary school has absences. Parents/guardians are been identified as an early warning sign to responsible for their child’s attendance.
What is the policy? Children between the ages of 5 and 17 must attend school per Maryland state law. Maryland recognizes home instruction as an alternative to public school enrollment as a means of meeting the compulsory attendance law. A child must be formally enrolled in home instruction. For Kindergarten students, state law allows for 3 exceptions to the attendance requirement: for immaturity; for attendance in a licensed child-care center; or for attendance in a registered family day-care home. What is the definition of Truancy? Truancy is defined as a student who has more than 20% unlawful or unexcused absences. Parents/guardians are responsible for their child’s attendance. What is a Lawful vs. Unlawful Absence? Each school’s responsibility is to record attendance for each student. A lawful or excused absence is considered under the following circumstances: Illness of student or student’s child Death in immediate family Observance of a religious holiday State emergency or hazardous weather conditions Court summons Suspension Work approved or sponsored by the school Failure of MCPS authorized transportation to eligible students Any absences for reasons than those specified above are considered unexcused or unlawful unless permitted at the discretion of the principal/designee. Normally, absences for travel are not lawful or excused. Importance of Good Attendance Regular school attendance is the key to high school graduation and future achievement. Poor attendance in elementary school has been identified as an early warning sign to What if my child has excessive absences? If a student’s attendance becomes a concern, they may be referred for interventions to increase regular school attendance. The following are possible interventions: Required doctor’s note for excessive or chronic absences Letters of notification informing parents of concern Home visits Parent phone calls/meetings School counselor support Attendance intervention plans/contracts Referrals to outside agencies Referrals to Attendance Matters Referrals to Truancy Review Board Referrals to court
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