Page 6 - south whidbey family hand book 2018 -2019 e-book

P A G E 6
Attendance and Emergency Closure

Attendance and Absences Truancy We understand that decisions
- Policy 3122 Under the state law the school is about school schedules and bus
Daily, on-time attendance is essen- required to begin a truancy peti- route changes have an impact
tial for success in school. State tion process, commonly known as on our families. We appreciate
law requires that all juveniles be- a BECCA process, if a student your patience during these situa-
tween eight years old and 18 years has a large number of absences. tions. While we know that our
students and families are best
old attend school. The parent must Under BECCA, if a student has
notify the school as soon as possi- five to seven unexcused absenc- served when we are open, our
ble when their child will be absent es in one month, or 10 to 12 ab- main concern is the safety of our
from school. Within five days of sences during a school year, the students and staff. Typically,
decisions regarding schedule
returning to class, the student school must file a petition with the
should bring a note signed by the juvenile court asking that the changes are made in the early
parent or guardian explaining the court order the student to attend morning before school. This al-
reason for the absence. Parent- school. The juvenile court pro- lows for the most current weath-
excused absences are determined cess may include meetings with er information to factor into the
by Board Policy 3122 and include: the Community Truancy Board. decision. This information is
For more information, call your posted immediately, generally
Illness
child’s school. by 5:30 a.m.
Medical Appointment
Family Emergency Releasing Students When it is necessary to close
Medical/Health Condition Students will not be released school due to extreme weather
conditions or other unusual cir-
Court from school grounds, any school cumstances, the South Whidbey
building or school function during
Religious school hours except by an au- School District will send out a
thorized person, according to Robo Text/Email/Call to alert you
The school district may excuse a district procedures. Before a stu- to the change in school plans
student’s absence for the follow- dent is released or excused, the (Late Start/Closure/Early Re-
ing reasons: lease/Lock Down). Additionally
person seeking to remove the
Suspension student must present proof/ the
Expulsion evidence of authority to do so websites will announce the
changes on the home page.
In-School Suspension according to the principal’s satis-
faction. Exceptions will be made
School Activity Please take time in advance to
when protective custody is dictat-
School Related ed by appropriate legal authori- confirm you will receive
Office ties and in specific legal circum- robo notifications by confirming
your contact information with
Homeless stances, according to Washington your office secretary.
state law RCW 28A.605.010.
Search & Rescue
PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE
Grades K-4 Attendance Line: Emergency Closure SCHOOL OFFICE TO CHECK
(360)221-0637 Information FOR CLOSURES. CHECK THE
Severe weather or other emer- WEBSITE.
Grades 5&6/SWA K-6 gencies may cause changes to PLEASE KEEP YOUR
Attendance Line: (360)221-0638 the school day. When this hap- CONTACT INFORMATION
pens, schools may need to close, CURRENT WITH YOUR
Grades 7-12 Attendance Line: start late or dismiss early. Plan in SCHOOL OFFICE.
(360) 221-0937 advance for such emergencies.
Please ensure that your child’s Enter the attendance numbers
SWA 7-12 Attendance Line: school has your family’s current in your cell phone for quick
(360) 221-7879 emergency contact information. calling & caller ID recognition.

S O U T H W H I D B E Y S C H O O L D I S T R I C T F A M I L Y H A N D B O O K