501.10 - Truancy
501.10 - TruancyRegular attendance by the students at school is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities from the education program. Parents and students alike are encouraged to ensure an absence from school is a necessary absence.
Children between the ages of six and sixteen, as of September 15, residing in the Independence Community School District are required to be enrolled in and attending an Iowa accredited public or private school, or receiving competent private instruction pursuant to state law (Iowa Code 299.1A). Students are expected to attend a minimum of 162 days per year. Truancy will not be tolerated by the board.
Students are subject to disciplinary action for truancy including, but not limited to, detention, retention, alternative placement, release to human services, release to a guidance counselor, truancy officer, intervention team or other appropriate third party. It shall be within the discretion of the principal to determine, in light of the circumstances, whether a student may make up work missed because of truancy.
The principal/designee shall notify the truancy officer when a student is truant. The truancy officer shall investigate the cause of a student’s truancy and attempt to ensure the student’s attendance. The truancy officer may take the student into custody. A student taken into custody shall be placed in the custody of the principal. The truancy officer shall attempt to contact the student’s parents when the student is taken into custody. If after school administration action, the student is still truant, the truancy officer shall refer the matter over to the county attorney.
The school will participate in mediation if requested by the county attorney. The superintendent or designee shall represent the school district in mediation. The school district will monitor the student’s compliance with the mediation agreement and will report violations of the mediation agreement to the county attorney for possible prosecution.
Regulations for this policy are outlined in the student handbook for each attendance center.
Legal Reference:
281 I.A.C. 12.2(4).
Cross Reference: 206.3 Secretary-Treasurer
501 Student Attendance
503 Student Discipline
504 Student Activities
506 Student Records
Approved: 08/21/2006
Reviewed: 08/18/2008, 11/18/2013, 12/17/2018
Revised: 07/17/2006, 05/19/2009, 12/17/2018, 11/27/2023
501.10E - Sample Letter to Parents
501.10E - Sample Letter to Parents
SAMPLE LETTER TO PARENT/GUARDIAN(S) REGARDING ATTENDANCE
Date
Dear Parent/Guardian(s):
The Independence Community School District Board of Education’s attendance policy states the following actions will occur regarding cumulative student absences:
- Letter from the building principal sent after 10th absence from school.
(Any absence due to participation in school sponsored or approved activities will be excused by the building principal). - A mediation meeting between the parent, truancy officer and building principal/designee after the 15th absence.
A detailed student attendance contract will be developed. - Any breeches of the terms of the contract by the student or parent(s) after the 18th absence will result in a referral to the county attorney.
Regular attendance is essential for students to obtain the maximum opportunities and benefits from the educational program. The purpose of this letter is only to inform you of the number of absences and truancies your child has accumulated so far this year.
As of __________________, your child, ___________________________ has missed 10 days of school.
We understand there are times and circumstances requiring your child to miss school, and we also understand you are likely aware of the number of days missed by your child. However, the Board of Education believes it is imperative students are in attendance and are ready to learn. Therefore, this letter is sent to you as a reminder and to encourage you to make necessary adjustments in order to avoid further consequences as outlined in the school district attendance policy.
If you have any questions, concerns, or if you need clarification on the Board of Education policy please contact us. Thank you for your continued efforts and support of the
Sincerely,
Principal
Building
Address
Cc: Truancy Officer
501.10R - Truancy Regulation
501.10R - Truancy Regulation
Attendance in school is considered extremely important for the success of a student in their academic work. Students will be required to be in school a minimum number of days. This number will be no less than 162 days. The following action will take place with absences that are considered as truant from school.
The building principal/designee will send a letter to the parent of a student who has missed ten (10) cumulative days at their respective attendance center. (Code No. 501.10E1)
A mediation meeting will take place between the parent, truancy officer and building principal/designee, and student as appropriate, when the student has missed fifteen (15) cumulative days of school. At this meeting a detailed student specific attendance contract will be developed. This contract will include such items as consequences for breeches of the contract up to and including referral to the county attorney for prosecution which may happen upon the student missing the eighteenth (18) cumulative day of school.
The truancy officer will be responsible for the attendance of students in grade one through 16 years of age. (Students who turn 16 years of age during the school year must complete that year under compulsory attendance law.) The truancy officer will do the following:
- Monitor daily attendance with assistance from building secretaries.
- Will mediate at required parent conferences.
- Will refer parents to the county attorney.
- Will investigate and monitor persons referred to the county attorney.
- Represent the
Independence Community School District
The truancy officer will inform the superintendent of any scheduled mediation meetings.