The board of education believes that attendance is a key factor in student achievement. The primary responsibility lies with the parent and the student. The objective of the following procedures is to encourage students to be in class and to increase student self-discipline by requiring them to take responsibility for their actions. These procedures should not prove difficult for any student who is coming to school to learn.
Compulsory Attendance Age
According to Colorado state law, every child who has attained the age of seven years and is under the age of 17 is required to attend public school with such exceptions as provided by the law. It is the student’s responsibility to attend school. It is the parents’ responsibility to ensure attendance. It is the school’s responsibility to inform the courts of any student who does not comply with the compulsory attendance law.
Truancy
If a student is absent during the school day without prior parental permission or if the student leaves school or a class without permission of the teacher, administrator, or attendance office, the student shall be considered truant. Parents/guardians will be notified when a student is truant.
Clearing Absences
Absences must be cleared the same day that they occur by phone or the following day if the student brings a note, signed by parent/guardian, to the attendance office by 7:45 am. Any late phone calls will not be accepted.
- Your parent/guardian may call the Attendance line, 384-4469, 24 hours a day.
- They may even call in advance if they know you will be gone.
- Your parent/guardian may send a note when you return (or before if you know in advance) – take it to the attendance office by 7:45 am.
- Your parent/guardian may come into the attendance office personally.
- Any time you leave the building you MUST have a building pass. If you do not get a building pass, you have left the school without permission. This is considered truancy.
Basic procedures at La Junta High School:
When students are missing from school and nobody has called in, the attendance secretary will contact the home and inquire as to the nature of the absence.
4 days/periods of un-cleared absence – A warning letter is sent that explains the attendance procedures and states that the child has reached 4.
8 days/periods of un-cleared absence – A meeting is scheduled with parent(s), student and administration to discuss what is causing the absences. A brief plan will be written to address any interventions that are agreed upon. If the parent cannot attend, this meeting may be held over the phone. If the parent does not show up to the meeting or call, the Truancy Officer will be sent for a home visit and will notify the home that 8 absences have been reached.
10 days/periods of un-cleared absence – The case will be assigned to the court and all documentation of absences and any notes from the parent meeting will be emailed to the judge. The student should be required in court within a few days of this absence.
12 days/periods of un-cleared absences – The student will be withdrawn and failed from the class. The student will become the parents’ responsibility for the class period/s. The student must leave campus during this time.
