INFORMATION FOR PARENTS AND GUARDIANS
There is no doubt that one of the keys to academic achievement is good
attendance. Consistent participation in school and school-based activities
is important for making a successful transition from youth to adulthood.
Student tardiness and truancy are challenges that confront many
communities in Middlesex and across the state. Often, these behaviors are
the first indicators that a student may be experiencing stress or other
difficulties in his or her life.
The following is a summary of some of the Massachusetts General Laws
pertaining to attendance:
School Attendance
Chapter 76, section 1 of the Massachusetts General Laws states that all
children between the ages of six and sixteen must attend school. A school
district may excuse up to seven day sessions or fourteen half day sessions
in any period of six months. In addition to this law, each school may have
its own attendance policy with which parents and guardians should be
familiar.
Who is a Supervisor of Attendance?
Chapter 76, section 19 of the Massachusetts General Laws states that
each school committee must employ a supervisor of attendance. A supervisor
of attendance has the power to apprehend and take to school any child who
is truant and is required to investigate all cases where a child in the
district fails to attend school.
What is a CHINS?
A "CHINS" (Child in Need of Services) petition may be filed in court by
a supervisor of attendance if a child between the ages of six and sixteen
persistently and willfully fails to attend school or persistently violates
lawful and reasonable regulations of his or her school. The Court's
authority pursuant to a CHINS petition includes the power to place the
child in the custody of the state agency known as the Department of Social
Services.
What is a 51A?
A 51A is a report of suspected child abuse or neglect that is filed
with the Department of Social Services. Under Chapter 119, section 51A of
the Massachusetts General Laws, a report can be filed on behalf of a child
under the age of eighteen for educational neglect if a child is not
attending school on a regular basis.
Parental Responsibility
Parents or guardians are legally responsible for ensuring that a child
under their control attends school daily. It is a crime for a responsible
parent or guardian not to cause such a child to attend school. If a child
fails to attend school for seven day sessions or fourteen half day
sessions within any six month period, the supervisor of attendance may
file a criminal complaint in court against the responsible parent and/or
guardian.
Inducing Absences
It is a crime to induce or attempt to induce a minor to miss school, or
unlawfully to employ or to harbor a minor who should be in school.
Notification and Contact Information
Chapter 76, section 1A of the Massachusetts General Laws states that
parents/guardians must be provided each year with the instructions for
calling a designated phone number at a designated time to inform the
school of the absence of a student and the reason for the absence. In
addition, parents/guardians must provide the school with a home, work or
other emergency telephone number so that they may be contacted during the
school day so the school may call and inquire about said absence.
2005-2006 Project Alliance, Middlesex Partnerships for Youth, Inc.
40 Thorndike Street ,Cambridge , MA 02141 617-679-6550