ATTENDANCE PROTOCOLS
The Cobb County School District (CCSD) is required by law to have a policy/protocol to address excessive absences to include procedures for identifying, reporting, investigating and prosecuting cases of alleged violations of the Georgia Compulsory Attendance Law. The CCSD Attendance Protocol includes the following:
Three (3) unexcused absences-teachers will communicate with parents via email, phone, conference or postcard regarding the attendance concern.
Five (5) unexcused absences-communication to parents via letter
Seven (7) unexcused absences-student will be referred to the school social worker to address concerns regarding the unexcused absences.
Ten (10) or more absences-students and/or parents will be subject to a referral to The Juvenile Court of Cobb County, Magistrate Court of Cobb County and/or Department of Family and Children Services for truancy and/or Educational Neglect. Please note that a principal can refer a student to the school social worker at any time he/she deems necessary.
Tips for Parents to Improve School Attendance:
• Make your child’s education a family priority.
• Do not allow your child to stay home from school.
• Know and follow the school district’s attendance policy.
• Make sure your child has a regular bedtime and gets plenty of rest each night.
• Do not enable your child by encouraging or endorsing unexcused absences.
• If your child does not want to attend school, talk to him or her and listen for answers. Solve problems regarding school attendance together.
• If your child refuses to go to school, do not hesitate to ask for help from the school staff.
• Be an advocate for your child.
• Offer praise to your child for school tasks well done.
• Assist your child with homework.
• Get involved in your child’s education.
If your child is legitimately ill or absent, please provide a written parent/doctor note to the school. Cobb School District allows 3 days upon a student's return to turn them into either the homeroom teacher or the attendance clerk. You may also send a note via email to anamika.pol@cobbk12.org.
