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Local schools take attendance seriously
Fredericksburg area school divisions say they take attendance issues seriouslyDate published: 5/29/2008 BY JEFF BRANSCOME A James Monroe High School senior actually wanted to talk with a truancy officer during a recent lunch break. She'd been meaning to tell him that she's becoming an assistant manager at a local fast-food restaurant. "Yeah dude, I didn't tell you about that!" she exclaimed. "Give me a high five." James Monroe Truancy Officer Dean Martin said he first met the girl after she behaved inappropriately at a pep rally. He drove her home. The student said they crossed paths again when Martin saw her arguing with a school official about absences. On Friday, the two were chatting like old friends. Martin, one of three truancy officers for Fredericksburg schools, said it's probably best if students haven't had to spend one-on-one time with him. But he doesn't want to be viewed as an adversary, though sometimes it comes to that. At least 38 parents in Fredericksburg have been arrested for not sending a child to school since 2001, said city police Spokeswoman Natatia Bledsoe. Martin said he tries to schedule conferences with parents and their children after five unexcused absences. It's not unusual for him to drop by an absentee's home during the school day just to chat. If the absences continue, students sign a contract in juvenile court promising to attend school. Those who break the terms of the contract can be ordered by a juvenile court judge to serve up to 10 days' detention. Other Fredericksburg area school districts have similar policies. Since 2000, Stafford County school officials have asked that charges be filed against 43 parents for not sending their children to school. Those cases involved 69 students. Lisa Von Dohlen, coordinator of social work services for Stafford schools, said there's almost never a simple reason for attendance problems. "It is one symptom of a complex layer of issues," she said. Kids often miss school because they're living in poverty, struggling academically or are teased, said Gayle Hock, supervisor of guidance and social work services for King George County Schools. King George hired its first and only attendance counselor three years ago, she said. That employee, Jeff Smith, enforces attendance policies at the county's five schools. "The effort is to make a plan," Hock said. "What's going on? What can you do, and what can we do?" Martin, a retired police captain, said he has only pressed charges against two or three parents since he became a truancy officer for James Monroe a few years ago. "Because of their age and their physical abilities to come to school, a lot of times it's not the parents' fault," he said. Most of the charges are against parents of elementary school students, he said. It's rewarding when the teens change their habits, Martin said. He said the student with the job at the fast-food restaurant had some attendance issues her junior year but will graduate in June. "She's grown up a whole lot since last year," he said. Jeff Branscome: 540/374-5402
Date published: 5/29/2008
Good Luck
(posted by
returninghome
, May 29, 2008 9:11 am)
I suggest that you don't call, go in person down to the school board office, and ask to speak to some one, or set up a appointment.You as a non custodialparent do still have that right unless its written in court papers, If you want action you have to go in person, take all the copies of emails letters and ect back up your proof, I guess spotsy has changed from when I worked in the system. they were always on top of things good luck.
I agree
(posted by
flowers
, May 29, 2008 9:03 am)
I agree with the previous post. Spotsylvania does not care. I personally know three individuals whose parents have allowed them to not go to school since they were in middle school because the parents are too lazy to get up and make them go to school. All three have now dropped out and are pregnant at 15, 16, and 17. You would think the county would be making them continue to go to school.
Spotylvania Does not care
(posted by
fredsuxx
, May 29, 2008 7:32 am)
Spotsy schools evidently have no limitations to unexcused absences. The custodial mother of my children encourages this behavior (truancy) and the school does not have the backbone to do anything about it. I have called, written,and emailed the school system.....but they don't take action. Tried the court system before, and may try again. Frustrating........
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