Truancy court seemed to be the big buzz word in the last post.
For the record, we don't have a court date.
When we signed Landry out on Thursday afternoon and we told them she wouldn't be back until Monday, they asked what the reason was for Landry leaving school. Jeff told them we were going out of town. That's when it was mentioned that the students only get one personal day for the entire year and if absences got out of hand, we might be called to truancy court.
This bugged me. (Obviously)
Here's why--
*Both Jeff and I volunteer a lot of time at the school. Not only do we want Landry to be involved and like school, but we want her to know that we support her and her school. If we were the type of parents that let our kids skip school willy-nilly, I probably would try to hide my face a little more.
*Landry is an excellent student. She reads on almost a 4th grade level and is "that" kid in her class that assists other kids with their work. She completes and turns in her "optional only" homework. I wouldn't pull her out of class if I thought it would make her fall behind.
*This was the first absence (no tardies, no early dismissals) that she's had all year. (Yeah, yeah, I realize it's still really early in the year).
*There is NOTHING that I could find either on the district or school's website or in any information that was sent home that addresses the number of absences allowed.
I've probably dwelled too much on the comment--it's not that big of a deal, but it did rub me the wrong way.
I DO think school is important, and I DO think attendance is important. Landry knows and understands that we take her school work very seriously. But, for family events or other special occasions, I personally (I realize your personal opinion may differ--that's okay) don't mind her missing if the days are limited.
For instance, last school year, we traveled to the Metroplex for the week of Thanksgiving. She had school HALF-DAY Monday and HALF-DAY Tuesday the week of Thanksgiving. They were released at 11 AM. The district schedules it this way so it will be counted as a "full day" with the state. So, instead of us sticking around for her to color pilgrim and indian pictures for 3 hours those two days, we chose to go on to Dallas and spend time with our family. No harm done!
Anyway, that's the story and my perspective and I'm stickin' to it! :)
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
9 comments:
I for sure might get called to court! ;) We leave tomorrow and won't be back at school until Tuesday...
kids only get 1 "personal" day? who the heck made that up? You were right to get miffed! I would have, too.
I loved your reference to coloring pilgrim and indian pictures! You ALWAYS make me laugh!!
I had to deal with the prosecuting end of truancy and now the defending end. Trust me we aren't talking about "good parents" like you guys.
I would be so ticked at the school for even mentioning it. Also, I don't think they are correct about 1 absence. I think it has to be more and several days in a row.
Now you have my legal mind a wondering... I'll have to do some research. Then next time some stupid twit spouts off about truancy court, you could quote the law right back at them! Ha! Take that you could say!
I totally agree with you. It would have me upset as well.
You go, Kara! Inquiring minds want to know the truancy laws of Texas. When I go to the mall on weekdays here in the metroplex, my thought is--"there must be many, many home-schooled children." What I really enjoy is a person who has a little authority and really likes using it, especially in cases where a great parent is taking a great student out of school for a half day!
Caroline had just a few absences last year. Two days for us to go to San Antonio for Jeff to run a marathon, two days for Philip's wedding, and 4 days for us to go to Boston. A total of 8 personal days (and she had two sick days). I got state mandated letters regarding her absences- but it was Pre-K!!! Trust me, she learned more going to Boston than she would have in class. Now that she is in what I consider real school (Kinder), I will only pull her out a couple of days for trips. I got all of mine approved last year before we left, but my aunt is the principal, so that might have something to do with it.
I think you did the right thing!! Kids need time off too!
Ann--I think we'll move Landry over to G2's school!! :)
Ann, Kylie missed 10 days last year. 5 for the flu and 5 random throw-up or temperature related illnesses from going to a new school with tons of new diseases! Even though we had a doctor's note for the 5 flu days, we still got a letter about her missing 10 days of first grade. It said at 15, they would call a meeting- they never said a truency meeting.
Kara- I would love to know some law to spew at 'em! :)
(You don't know me but your friends with all of my real friends (Ann and Kara) and blog friend (Robin))
I have to comment on this because my husband and I have already decided that we aren't going to let the school year dictate our family vacations. Our daughter is also a good student and we will make up all work. I have heard of this rule because when I was young I modeled and the schools would try to use it as a way to keep me from working. It got to the point where I had to consider private school and I was a very good student.
However there are ways around the rules if you have to take that route. My sister teaches at a school that is primarily made up of hispanic students, their parents just withdraw them from school take them to Mexico and three weeks later just reenroll them. Next time your going to go on vacation for two days, with draw her and then re enroll her. They will just love that I am sure...considering the paper work they would have to do.
I would have been all sorts of mad about the comment as well. (I'm not usually a rant and rave type!)
Post a Comment