Page 17 - Atlanta Public Schools 2022/2023 Student Handbook + Planner

Attendance Information
Pursuant to O.C.G.A. §20-02-0690.1, parents/guardians or other persons having control or charge of students are liable for the students’ attendance in school. In view of the negative effects of excessive tardiness and absenteeism on student performance, the Board expects local schools to initiate programs to assist students in improving their attendance and punctuality. See Policy JB.
Compulsory Attendance Law
In accordance with the Official Code of Georgia, O.C.G.A. § 20-2-690.1, mandatory attendance in a public school, private school, or home school program shall be required for children between their 6th and 16th birthdays. Any parent/guardian or other person residing in this state who has control or charge of a child or children and who violates this Code section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction thereof, shall be subject to:
• Fine: not less than $25.00 and not greater than $100.00
• Imprisonment: not to exceed 30 days
• Community service
• Or any combination of such penalties at the discretion of the court
having jurisdiction
Notification Of Absences
In accordance with the provisions of state board rule 160-5-1-.10, Student Attendance, the Atlanta Board of Education defines acceptable excuses for being absent from school as:
• Personal illness.
• A serious illness or death in a student’s immediate family.
• A court order or an order by a government agency.
• The observation of religious holidays.
• Registering to vote or voting in a public election, which shall not
exceed one day.
• A student whose parent/legal guardian is in military service or the
National Guard, and such parent/legal guardian has been called to duty for or is on leave from overseas deployment to a combat zone or combat support posting, shall be granted excused absences,
up to a maximum of five school days per school year, for days missed from school to visit with their parent or legal guardian prior to deployment.
• A student whose parent/legal guardian is currently serving or previously served on active duty in the armed forces or on extended active duty may be granted excused absences, up to a maximum
of five school days per school year, not to exceed two school years, for the day or days missed from school to attend military affairs sponsored events.
Upon return to school from an absence, the student shall bring to the school a note, signed and dated by the parent/legal guardian, stating the reason for the absence and the dates the absences occurred.
The notification must be received by designated school personnel within three school days of the student’s return.
All children enrolled in public school for 20 school days or more are subject to compulsory school attendance, even if they are under six years of age (O.C.G.A. § 20-2-150). Please see the chart below for a quick view of APS attendance protocol:
By September 1 of each school year
Parent/guardian signs an Acknowledgement Signature Page indicating receipt of notification
of penalties/consequences for failing to comply with compulsory attendance law.
Three Unexcused Absences
A letter is mailed to parent(s)/ guardian(s) notifying them that their child has at least three unexcused absences and explains attendance expectations.
Five Unexcused Absences
A letter is mailed to parent(s/ guardian(s) notifying them
that their child has at least five unexcused absences, reminding them of possible penalties/ consequences of misdemeanor violation, and requesting parent/ guardian participation in a face-to- face meeting with school officials.
Eight Unexcused Absences
The student may be referred to the school social worker. Once referred, the intensity of strategies and interventions is increased; including a referral to community agencies, home visit, and parent/ guardian workshops/training.
Ten Unexcused Absences (Truancy)
The social worker may refer
the student to Juvenile Court
if parent(s)/guardian(s) are noncompliant with attendance interventions or attendance does not improve after the student has accumulated ten unexcused absences.
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