Dear Parent/Guardian:
Children and families face many challenges during each school year.
Amidst the long list of concerns we all share is the issue of school
attendance, an issue that seldom gets newspaper headlines, but one which
has a fundamental impact on the present and future success of all
children.
The consequences for failing to attend school are well-documented.
Truancy has been identified as a predictor of delinquency, drug use, and
is often associated with lowered academic achievement, self-esteem, and
even employment potential. In addition, several studies have found that a
pattern of poor attendance in early grades is linked to an increased
likelihood for dropping out of school in later years.
Parents and guardians, as well as students themselves, have the
responsibility to ensure that attendance at school is regular and timely.
Schools are required by law to keep track of attendance. If a school
identifies a student who is exhibiting an attendance problem, which
includes tardiness, the school is required by law to address that problem.
This could be as simple as notifying the parent or guardian of the issue
and working together to improve that student's attendance, or, in extreme
instances, it may require the school to solicit assistance by the Court or
Department of Social Services.
Enclosed you will find a summary of the Massachusetts General Laws
pertaining to attendance. We would encourage you to review this as well as
your school's policy on attendance.
Please feel free to contact the principal of your child's school should
you wish to discuss this information further. We look forward to a
successful school year.
| Cordially, |
|
| Martha Coakley |
Dr.
Jim Picone |
| Middlesex District Attorney
|
Superintendent,
Burlington Public Schools |