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Cooper Middle School Attendance Protocol (2024-2025)

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Students

At Cooper Middle School, we recognize the critical connection between regular school attendance and academic success. Our attendance protocol is designed to support students and families in ensuring consistent school attendance, essential to achieving our district's mission: one goal, one team, student success. Communication between the school and home is paramount, and we are committed to working together to help every student succeed.

Key Information for Parents and Staff

  • Attendance Core Team
    • Monthly meetings to address student attendance concerns.
    • Includes Attendance Administrator, School Social Worker, Professional Counselors, Attendance Clerk, School Nurse, Student Support Administrator, Truancy Coordinator, and other relevant staff.
  • Attendance Referral Process
    • Excused/Unexcused Absences & Tardiness: Parent note required within 3 days of returning for excused absences; tardy note within 1 day.
    • Communication for Absences:
      • 3 Unexcused Absences: School Attendance Clerk contacts parents.
      • 5 Unexcused Absences: Automated letter sent to parents (Georgia Law requirement).
      • 7 Unexcused Absences: School Social Worker referral; potential for student withdrawal after 10 consecutive unexcused absences.
    • Excessive Absences: Referral to the School Social Worker at the administration's discretion.
    • Students Over 16: Not governed by Compulsory Attendance Law but can request assistance.
    • 10 or More Unexcused Absences: Possible referrals to Juvenile Court or DFCS.
  • Chronic Absenteeism Interventions
    • Truancy Intervention Panel: Engages families to address underlying reasons for absenteeism.
  • Morning Schedule & Tardy Protocol
    • School Start Time: Homeroom at 8:50 AM, tardy bell at 9:15 AM.
    • Tardy Protocol:
      • After 3 Tardies: Contact from Attendance Clerk.
      • After 6 Tardies: Contact from Administration.
      • After 9 Tardies: Contact from School Social Worker.
  • Class Transition Tardy Protocol
    • 3-5 Tardies: Silent lunch.
    • 6-9 Tardies: Detention.
    • 9-12 Tardies: Office referral.
  • Excessive Early Check-Out Protocol
    • Early check-outs are discouraged and can affect academic performance.
    • No Early Check-Outs after 3:45 PM.
    • Repeated early check-outs may result in communication from the school to address the issue.
  • Parent Tips for Assisting Students
    • Encourage setting an alarm and establishing a consistent morning routine.
    • Ensure electronics are put away before bedtime.
    • Remind students that Cooper Middle is a NO-CELL PHONE ZONE.

 We strongly encourage all parents and staff to prioritize communication as we work together to support student attendance and academic success. Attendance and academics go hand in hand, and both are crucial to fulfilling our district's mission of one goal, one team, student success. Detailed information about these protocols and additional resources can be found on the school website. Together, we can ensure that every student at Cooper Middle School is set up for success.


Please click on the attachment for additional information.  

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