Welcome back to all Cobb County students!

“Students are more likely to participate, focus and learn in their new environment if they feel safe, connected and supported and believe they can learn and achieve. The word “Engaged” highlights the role everyone, from educators to health professionals, to local agency and business partners can play in addressing the effects and impact of stress while helping to reestablish the routine of school!” (Attendance Works 2021-2022 Attendance Campaign)  

Attendance is critical!  

The Georgia Compulsory Attendance Law requires all children between the ages of 6-16 to be enrolled and attend either a home, public or private school program. Despite the current public health crisis, our state is requiring school districts to continue to document and report chronic absenteeism rates for the 2021-2022 school year. All students are required to abide by this law and the Attendance Policy put in place. 

Attendance Policy:

•    Three (3) unexcused absences: Teachers are to communicate with parent(s)/guardian(s) regarding student attendance via email, ParentVue, phone call, text, or parent/teacher conference. 

•    Five (5) unexcused absences: An Attendance Letter will be sent home explaining attendance statute and consequences. 

•    Seven (7) unexcused absences: The School Social Worker is notified and will make contact with parent(s)/guardian(s) via email, ParentVue, or phone call. 

•    Ten (10) or more unexcused absences:

o    The student and parent(s)/guardian(s) can be referred for a Truancy Intervention Panel.

o    Excessive absences (10+) - Students and parent(s)/guardian(s) may be subject to a referral to juvenile court and/or Department of Family and Children Services (DFCS) for truancy and/or educational neglect. Prior to any action to commence judicial proceedings to impose a penalty on a parent, guardian, or other person residing in the state who has guardianship of the child, notification will be provided.

o    The student may also be at risk for withdrawal from school

If your student is absent due to illness, please ensure that an excuse is submitted to the Attendance Clerk, Mrs. Jill Colacicco, so that the absent is not counted against them. The attendance policy allows a note to be provide by a parent/guardian or physician up to 3 days upon a child’s return to school.  

Please click on the following link for the updated Covid-19 protocol for students, families, and staff: https://www.cobbk12.org/_ci/p/59802