CHIPPEWA COUNTY TRUANCY PROTOCOL

In accordance with the State of Michigan Compulsory Attendance Law, and in cooperation with the Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office, Sault Area Schools will follow the procedures listed below when students aged six to 18 years of age accumulate excessive absences.

After the 6^th Absence

When a student reaches his 6^th absence in one or more of his/her classes, a school official will contact the parents and/or student regarding the excessive absences.   The purpose of the contact will be to discuss the Attendance Policy, Chippewa County Truancy Protocol and the consequences if the student continues to be absent from school.  The school officials will offer educational counseling, including using an alternative agency

After the 9^th Absence

A school official will attempt to contact the parent/guardian to discuss the student’s ongoing attendance issue.  If the parent/guardian cannot be contacted by phone, a restricted certified letter will be mailed to the adult responsible for the student, along with a copy of the school’s attendance policy, student’s attendance record, and the Chippewa County Truancy Protocol.

After the 12^th Absence

An attendance-planning meeting will be held at the school. The student and parent/guardian will be required to attend this meeting. At this meeting, the school officials will facilitate contact between the school, the parents, and an outside agency such as a dispute resolution center.  This outside agency will work with the school and parents to discover the issue causing the absences and ensure that there are no further unexcused absences.

Further Absences

A complaint will be forwarded to the Chippewa County Prosecutor’s Office.