K-12 Attendance and Truancy
Chronic absence is influenced by various factors including school, family, and community. Improving student attendance is essential to ensuring students are on track to learn and succeed. At CAP, we are committed to supporting families and students in overcoming attendance challenges.
Our Truancy Counselor/Officer develops Attendance Intervention Plans for at-risk youth, collaborating with the Counseling and Social Work team to address barriers to timely attendance.
What Can Families Do to Promote Good Attendance?
- Establish Routines: Encourage consistent attendance by setting daily routines, such as going to bed and waking up on time.
- Minimize Distractions: Remove stimulating or distracting items like cell phones, TVs, and video games from your child’s bedroom during bedtime.
- Communicate: Talk with your child to identify any issues preventing consistent attendance.
- Address Health Concerns: If your child frequently reports health issues, schedule a physical exam to address potential barriers.
- Seek Professional Support: Reach out to community counselors for advice and additional help.
- Monitor Academic Progress: Use PowerSchool to track your child’s attendance and performance. Stay in touch with their teachers for updates.
- Utilize School Resources: Consult with CAP's School Counselors, Social Workers, or the Truancy Officer for guidance. They can work with you to create an action plan to improve attendance.
New Initiatives: #BOT (Be On Time)
To tackle tardiness, we’ve introduced the #BOT program for students in Grades 9-12. This initiative builds habits for timely attendance through structured interventions:
- 1st Unexcused Tardy: Verbal Warning.
- 2nd Unexcused Tardy: Written Warning + Parent Notification.
- 3rd Unexcused Tardy: Attendance at the After-School BOT Program (2:30-3:00 PM, Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday).
Submit Requests for Extended Absences
Families requesting excusal from extended school attendance must submit a Request for Excusal Form for each child at least two weeks in advance.