Attendance Policy Manual

601 South Main Street PO Box 880

McLaughlin SD, 57642 Phone: 605-823-4484

Fax: 605-823-4481 http://www.mclaughlin.k12.sd.us

DRAFT PROPOSAL

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Importance of Attendance 1

Cost of Dropping Out 1

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Laws on Attendance 2

South Dakota State Laws on Attendance 2

3-Tier Attendance Intervention Model 3

3-Tier McLaughlin MSHS Attendance Intervention 3

Chronic Absence Intervention Protocol 5

Chronic Absence Protocol 6

Framing Conversations to Build Trust with Parents 6

Building Strong Relationships 7

Building Connectedness in School 7

Student Attendance Review Team (SART) 8

Attendance Cycle of Inquiry 9

Core Components of a School Attendance Plan 9

Purpose of SART 10

SART Meeting Process 10

Schedule and Convene SART Meetings 11

SART Participants 11

Tier 1 Attendance Intervention Form 12

Nudge Letter 13

Attendance Cycle of Inquiry 14

Student Attendance Contract 15

Page | 1

The Importance of Attendance

The McLaughlin School District and McLaughlin MSHS’s objective is for every student to attend school

every day on time.

To meet this objective, we established the following goals:

Promote that every student, in every grade attend school at least 90% each school year, with an

overall goal of attending 94% each school year (goal of South Dakota)

Promote the goal that every student will graduate from high school and will attend regularly to

prevent falling behind

Communicate with families and the community about the importance of attendance in making sure

every student graduates from high school

Develop quality relationships with students that encourage good attendance

Showing up for school has a huge impact on a student’s academic success starting in kindergarten and

continuing through high school. Even as students grow older and more independent, families play a key

role in making sure students get to school safely every day. It's important that we all understand why

attendance is so important for success in school and in life. (Attendance Works)

The impact on academics and graduation rates is well documented. The fiscal impact of low attendance

can be devastating and impair the district’s ability to provide needed programs and resources to our

students.

The Cost of Dropping Out

(Research from video Timebomb: The Cost of Dropping Out—Mike Mattos and Solution Tree © 2017)

Over 1 million U.S. students drop out of school each year

Every 26 seconds a student drops out of school

On average, a high school dropout will earn $10,000 less per year than a high school graduate and

$36,000 less per year than a college graduate

High school dropouts are three (3) times more likely to be unemployed

Over 90% of high school dropouts are on welfare

Young women who drop out are nine (9) times more likely to become single mothers

Over 80% of the incarcerated population are high school dropouts

High school dropouts are sixty-three (63) times more likely to be incarcerated than college

graduates

Approximately 85% of all youth in the juvenile court system are functionally illiterate

Female high school dropouts will live an average of 10.5 fewer years than female students who

graduate from high school

Male high school dropouts will live an average of 13 fewer years than male students who graduate

from high school

A high school dropout will cost U.S. taxpayers $292,000 over the course of his or her life

School dropouts cost the United States $240 billion annually in social service expenditures and lost

tax revenues

A 10 percentage-point increase in graduation rates has historically reduced murder and assault

rates by approximately 20%

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Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Education Laws

Effective as of September 1, 2013

SRST Education Code 36-6-3

(c) Compulsory Attendance. Any person having responsibility for a child between the ages of five (5) and

eighteen (18) years shall take all reasonable steps to ensure the child is in attendance at a local school for

the duration of each school year.

(1) This section does not apply if a child is exempt under subsection (d) of this Section.

(2) For the purposes of this section, a “child between the ages of five (5) and eighteen (18) years shall mean

a child who is not younger than five (5) years by the first day of September, but who has not reached his

or her eighteenth (18th) birthday.

(d) Determination of Attendance. Unless the child is exempt under subsection (d) of this Section, to be in

attendance for the purpose of this chapter, a student may not be absent from school for more than the

following periods of time:

(1) For a child participating in a grade level which is not broken into class periods:

i. Five (5) school days during either the first half or the second half of a local school or school

district’s calendar, or

ii. Ten (10) half school days during either the first half or the second half of a local school or school

district’s calendar

(2) For a child participating in a grade level which is broken into class periods, an amount of class periods

as set in written policy by the school’s respective governing body

(3) Periods of tardiness in amounts as set in written policy by the school’s respective governing body.

(f) Failure to Send Child to School—Misdemeanor. Any person having responsibility for a child of compulsory

school age who fails to take all reasonable steps to ensure the child is in attendance at local school for the

duration of each school year as provided under this Section is guilty of a misdemeanor as provided under

Section 4-1203 of the Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Code of Justice.

You can reference the entire SRST Education Code by going to:

http://standingrock.org/data/upfiles/files/Title%2035%20Final.pdf

South Dakota Laws

In accordance with South Dakota State Law (SDCL 13-27-11) states that:

Failure to send a child to school as misdemeanor. Any person having control of a student of compulsory school age

who fails to have the student attend school as required by the provisions of this title, is guilty of a Class 2

misdemeanor for the first offense. For each subsequent offense, a violator of this section is guilty of a Class 1

misdemeanor.

All other South Dakota Codified Laws on Compulsory School Attendance 13-27 can be found by going to:

http://sdlegislature.gov/Statutes/Codified_Laws/DisplayStatute.aspx?Type=Statute&Statute=13-27

Page | 3

3-Tier Intervention Model The foundation of The 3 Tiered Approach is universal supports, the base of the triangle. Universal supports,

including strategies for teaching and reinforcing clear, positive expectations for students must be in place for all

students. In addition, data must regularly be reviewed to determine the response to the intervention and to identify

students who are not responding to the universal interventions and require a higher level of support. On-going data

analysis and outcome evaluation are essential to affect system-wide school change and to ensure that interventions

are improving outcomes. Instruction and intervention efforts must regularly be fine-tuned in response to data trends.

School attendance is a learned behavior that should be taught and reinforced. The 3 Tiered approach creates a

school culture that teaches and reinforces clear, positive expectations for students and staff. Students and staff

who feel valued and who have a sense of belonging and connection to the school are much more likely to be

engaged in teaching and learning and have the desire to attend school on a daily basis.

Attendance 3 Tier- Model Example (Attendance Works)

Page | 4

McLaughlin MSHS

3-Tiered Model

• Students who miss 20% or more of school (severe chronic absence)• SART Team Meeting held to determine

next steps

• Principal to notify school SRO, Tribal Courts, and States Attorney of absences

• Students who miss more than 15 days of school

• Home Visits w/ SRO

Tier

3

• Students missing 10%-19% (moderate chronic absence)

•5-10 days unexcused absences

•Nudge Letters

•Parent Conferences w/Dean of Students

•SART Team Meeting after 10 days absent

•Home Visits w/ SRO

Tier

2• Students missing 5-9%

(At risk)•All Staff Involvement

•Daily Attendance tracking

•Tiospaye Time Mentors Tracking

•Parent Education

•Data monitoring

•Early Outreach

•Positive School Climate

•Quality Student relationships

Tier

1

Page | 5

Chronic Absence Intervention Protocol

For Site-Based Attendance Team

Explanation Students with chronic absences require interventions to change behavior and

maintain positive attendance patterns. In order for interventions to have an

impact, it is important to follow consistent protocol that is responsive to each

student’s unique circumstances.

Chronic Absence Truancy What is the difference

between Chronic

Absence and Truancy?

Missing 10% of school

days for any reason—

excused and unexcused—

in one school

year.

4 Days per Quarter

8 Days per Semester

16 days per School

Year

Absent without a valid excuse for more than 3 consecutive days at any

time during the school year without a phone call from a parent or

guardian to the office

OR

Absent without a valid excuse for more than 10 total days during the

school year without a phone call from a parent or guardian to the

office

What are the Effective Interventions for Addressing Chronic Absence?

When a Student is Absent for…

School Staff Will…

Any day of instruction

(excused or unexcused

absences)

Tiospaye teacher will make a personal phone call to parent/guardian.

Document reason for absence.

Enter appropriate Absent Code in Infinite Campus.

Verify accuracy of all contact numbers and update student information to Admin Assistant.

Refer family to appropriate school-based resources as necessary 3 days

(unexcused) Tiospaye teacher to call home to inquire about student's absence.

Document contact with the parent/guardian with date, time, and general notes of conversation

Notify Administrative Assistant to send a Nudge Letter about attendance

Refer family to appropriate school-based resources as necessary 5 days

(unexcused) E-mail Principal, Dean of Students, Admin Assistant, and Counselors of absences and share

documentation

Notify Administrative Assistant to send a Nudge Letter about attendance

Notify school nurse if absences are health related.

Schedule parent-conference with Dean of Students 7 days

(unexcused) E-mail Principal, Dean of Students, Admin Assistant, and Counselors of absences and share

documentation

Notify Administrative Assistant to send a Nudge Letter about attendance

Notify school nurse if absences are health related.

Schedule parent-conference with Dean of Students 10 days

(excused or unexcused) Hold a Student Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting (Principal, Dean of Students,

Counselors, Tiospaye Time Advisor) initiated by Dean of Students

Dean of Students or Administrative Assistant notifies Principal to generate letter to courts

Review prior absence data to determine if a pattern exists.

Create a student check-in policy with Tiospaye Time teacher (every morning)

Conduct a home visit as necessary with SRO (Dean of Students or Principal) 15 days

(excused or unexcused) Hold a Student Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting (Principal, Dean of Students,

Counselors, Tiospaye Time Advisor) initiated by Dean of Students

Dean of Students or Administrative Assistant notifies Principal to generate letter to courts

Review prior absence data to determine if a pattern exists.

Create a student check-in policy with Tiospaye Time teacher (every morning)

Conduct a home visit as necessary with SRO (Dean of Students or Principal)

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Chronic Absence Protocol Expectations

This protocol is dependent

on three basic systems and

expectations

Every teacher must take attendance for every student in every class period.

Each step in this process must be documented and entered into Infinite Campus.

Each certified teacher who oversees this protocol in addition to the clerical, student support,

and other staff who implement it.

How Long Before I Can Drop a Chronically Absent Student? You may not drop a student for chronic absence. Regardless of the number of days absent (consecutively or

otherwise), students may only be dropped after following the Chronic Absence Intervention protocol.

Framing Conversations to Build Trust with Parents

Page | 7

Building Strong Relationships

Ten Strategies for Teachers That Foster Connection to School For Their Students

1. Help students get to know one another's (and your) strengths.

2. Involve students in planning, problem solving, identifying issues, and assessing curriculum in

the classroom.

3. Promote cooperation over competition. Post everyone's best work. Offer opportunities for the

class to work together to help everyone achieve their level of excellence.

4. Build a strong relationship with each student.

5. Convey attentiveness to students and excitement about learning through nonverbal gestures.

6. Involve all students in chores and responsibilities around the classroom.

7. Integrate concepts of discipline and respect for classmates throughout instruction.

8. Give students more say in what they will learn.

9. Involve students in developing the criteria by which their work will be assessed, and provide guidelines

so that they clearly understand what is expected of them.

10. Use first person plural (we, us, let's) when presenting classroom activities.

Source: Blum, R.W., McNeely, C.A., Rinehart, P.M. (2002). The Untapped Power of Schools to Improve the Health of Teens.

Minneapolis, MN: Center for Adolescent Health and Development, University of Minnesota.

Building Connectedness in School

Researchers use a variety of methods to measure school attachment or connection, yet there were some

consistent themes that seemed to be markers for students' sense of connection at school:

Academic engagement. The extent to which students are motivated to learn and do well in

school.

Belonging. This includes being proud of one's school, feeling respected, being able to talk to

teachers, and feeling like school staff are interested in students.

Discipline/fairness. The extent to which students perceive the rules of the school to be

enforced fairly.

Liking for school. Whether students looked forward to going to school.

Extracurricular activities. Participation in out-of-school activities.

Student voice. This includes, for example, opportunities for students to participate in decision

making.

Peer relations. This includes the presence of friends and students' feelings of loneliness.

Safety. The extent to which students reported that they feel safe in school.

Teacher support. Whether students feel close to or valued by teachers and school staff.

Page | 8

Student Attendance Review Team

The Student Attendance Review Team (SART) is lead by the Dean of Students. The team is responsible for observing

individual students who are chronically absent. It is important to ensure that the individual needs of each student

are being met using all available resources. The attendance team also monitors what is happening overall for all

students and student sub-groups at a school site.

Student Attendance Review Team (SART) An attendance team includes:

The Dean of Students is assigned as the designated chairperson or facilitator

Principal

Counselors

Tiospaye Time Advisors

Parents/Guardians

Student

School Resource Officer (SRO)

School nurse (if necessary)

Attendance teams at school sites work on two levels.

Individual student level Attendance teams observe individual students who are chronically absent and ensure that their needs are being

met using all available resources. At the individual student level, attendance teams:

Examine the list of students with attendance issues every week to ensure that each student receives

appropriate supports.

Look at other student data (grades, test scores, behavioral referrals, health issues, etc.) to develop a full

picture of what is happening in a student’s life, especially for those students with more severe attendance

problems.

Use data on attendance and chronic absence to determine the nature and intensity of needed supports.

Supports can range from a call home or a truancy letter to a more intensive intervention and counseling

supports

Review outcomes of prior interventions to determine if supports were effective or not.

School level Attendance teams monitor what is happening overall for all students and student sub-groups at a school site.

At the school level, attendance teams:

Communicate the importance of attendance to the entire school staff and clearly spell out how each staff

member can work with the attendance team and help students who are chronically absent.

Establish positive expectations for good attendance with students and their families. This includes creating a

culture of attendance as well as defining what happens when a student misses school including tiered

interventions to provide needed support as well as consequences.

Examine trend information and seek out information about unusual attendance trends and patterns every

quarter.

Compile data across individual students and multiple data sources to unpack common barriers to

attendance and then forge partnerships to address those challenges.

Assess the impact of efforts such as attendance incentives on reducing rates of chronic absence.

Page | 9

Attendance Cycle of Inquiry

The SART works to ensure attendance is maintained by performing a cycle of activities that analyzes student absences, looks for solutions to

correct, sets targets for improvement, seeks working interventions, and finally assesses solutions.

Core Components of a School Attendance Plan

Page | 10

Purpose of SART

The Student Attendance Review Team (SART) is a school site team that works to improve the attendance of

identified students and interrupt patterns of chronic absences and suspensions. The SART accepts referrals for

screening and resolution of individual students' irregular patterns of attendance and seeks to actively involve

parents/guardians in resolving their child’s attendance problems.

The SART brings a strengths-based approach, and provides a setting where all participants work together to identify

strategies that will improve the student’s attendance, addressing the needs of the whole child and the individual

root causes of attendance issues.

SART Meeting Process A basic overview of the SART process is summarized in the following SART Process Flow Chart.

Parent/guardian is notified of the SART meeting by phone from Dean of Students and letter from Principal delivered by hand or US mail, at least 5 school days prior to meeting.

SART meeting is facilitated by the Dean of Students, who begins the meeting with an introduction of the persons present and identifies the reason the student has been referred to SART.

SART team discusses the problem and potential solutions.

SART team enters into a written contract (Agreement and

Recommendation of the SART) with the student and his/her

parent/guardian.

SART team monitors the student's attendance and compliance with the contract over a 30-school day period.

If the SART contract is broken, the student is referred to the Principal for follow-up, a 2nd meeting, or court involvement

Page | 11

Schedule and Convene SART Meetings

1. The Dean of Students notifies necessary certified teachers of students scheduled for a SART meeting or SART

review no later than 5 school days before the meeting/review, so that teachers/staff can be in attendance or give

input

2. Notification of the SART meeting is done by telephone and a formal letter is sent to the parent/guardian.

Administrative Assistant

makes a reminder call to the parent/guardian prior to the scheduled SART meetings

3. SART meetings are held as needed to accommodate the number of referrals.

SART Participants

The SART meeting participants should include the student, the parents/guardians, teachers, other staff and

community members who know the student. If possible, counselors, professional staff and community members

who can provide needed support services to the student and/or the family should also be invited to attend the SART

meeting.

Depending on the anticipated needs of the student and parents/guardians, at least three of the following people

should be in attendance at the SART meeting:

The Dean of Students is assigned as the designated chairperson or facilitator

Principal

Counselors

Tiospaye Time Advisors

Parents/Guardians

Student

School Resource Officer (SRO)

School nurse (if necessary)

Materials

The following materials should be prepared prior to the meeting and utilized to support the meeting process:

Printout of student’s attendance from Infinite Campus

Printout of student’s current grades from Infinite Campus

Copy of Attendance Intervention Form

Copy of Attendance Contract

Printed copies and review of school attendance policy

Graduation requirements (if necessary)

List of student's physical/mental/emotional issues and/or academic challenges

List of school and community resources for potential referral

When counseling is recommended, an attempt should be made to provide counseling on site or very close to

where the family lives.

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McLaughlin MSHS

TIER 1 ATTENDANCE INTERVENTION FORM

Student Name:_____________________ Grade:____ Teacher:____________________

Actions Taken by Teacher to address absence/s:

____ Phone Call/s Date:______ Time_____ Spoke To:______________________________

Date:______ Time_____ Spoke To:______________________________

Date:______ Time_____ Spoke To:______________________________

____ Sent Note Home with Student: Date:_______

____ Parent/Teacher Conference: Date:______ Time:_______

Teacher interventions: (check all that apply)

__Advised and reviewed attendance policy with parent/guardian

__Advised and reviewed parent/student handbook with parent/guardian

__Advised parent/guardian of access to student handbook and truancy policy on school web site

__Advised parent/guardian that when a student is absent from school the parent/guardian is required to send a note

and for every excused absence or the absence will be marked unexcused

__Advised parent/guardian that student is allowed to make up assignment for excused absences and are allowed the

same number of days absent plus one to make up work

__Advised parent/guardian that their student is responsible for getting and turning in the make- up assignments and

if none are turned in that student will receive partial credit for that assignment

__Advised and offered parent/guardian bus transportation for student to assist with attendance

__Referred student for SART to address academics affected by attendance

__Referred student for 504 to address medical concern/s affecting attendance/academics

__Referred student to Dean of Students/Counselor/Principal to address concerns of bullying that are affecting

attendance

__Referred student to Dean of Students/Counselor/Principal to address any Social-Emotional concerns that are

affecting attendance

Additional Notes:___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Page | 13

Dear Parent/Guardian: Our goal this year is for every student to attend school regularly. Even as children grow older and more independent, families play a key role in making sure students get to school safely every day and understanding why attendance is so important for success in school and in life. Our records indicate that your student, (FIRST NAME, LAST NAME) (GRADE) has been absent from school for (# OF DAYS) days this school year. This puts your child at risk for being chronically absent. A student is considered chronically absent if he or she has missed 10 percent or more of the days he or she has been enrolled in school.

We realize some absences can not be avoided due to health problems or other circumstances. But, we also know that when students miss too much school — regardless of the reason — it can cause them to fall behind academically.

By 6th grade, chronic absences are a proven early warning sign for students at risk for dropping out of school.

By 9th grade, good attendance can predict graduation rates even better than 8th grade test scores. Clearly going to school regularly matters! We don’t want your student to fall behind in school and get discouraged. Please ensure that your student attends school every day and arrives on time. Here are a few suggestions to help support your child’s attendance:

Make sure to set an alarm each night before bed

Set a regular bedtime and morning routine.

Lay out clothes and pack backpacks the night before.

Don’t let your student stay home unless they are truly sick.

If your student seems anxious about going to school, talk to teachers, counselors, and other parents for advice on how to make your child feel comfortable.

Develop backup plans for getting to school if something comes up. Call on a family member, neighbor, or another parent to take your student to school.

If other issues are impacting your child’s attendance, please contact us at the school

Let us know how we can best support you and your student to improve attendance so they are successful in school! Respectfully, Jeremy Hurd Principal McLaughlin MS/HS

82%89%

90%85%

Schoolwide Attendance %Grade Level %

Chronic Absence Attendance GoalYour Student

McLaughlin MSHS Attendance %

Page | 14

(Month, Day, Year)

Dear (Parent/Guardians First and Last Name)

In accordance with our McLaughlin MSHS Attendance Policy, your student (FIRST NAME, LAST NAME

AND GRADE) has 10 or more unexcused absences from school or is missing more than 10% of the school

year. This letter serves as written notice to request a meeting to discuss solutions to the attendance concerns we

have for your student. We will be reaching out to you by phone to schedule this meeting with our School

Attendance Review Team (SART) to discuss options that will help to increase your student’s attendance.

We need your input and participation in working with us to address your student’s attendance concerns and will

also request the attendance of your student at the meeting.

If you have any questions or need to arrange another time to meet, please contact me at the number below.

Meeting Date:______________________________

Time:_________________to__________________

Location: McLaughlin MSHS

Attendance in school is very crucial for success in the classroom. We are striving for students to have a 94%

attendance rate or higher to ensure our students are able to achieve to their highest potential. Every

student has been provided with a student handbook which details our attendance policy. Each period of school

missed will calculate as 1/8 of a school day.

If your child has been ill and was seen by a doctor, you are required to provide a medical statement. If you do

not provide a medical statement, the absence will be counted as unexcused.

Sincerely,

Hank Taken Alive

Dean of Students

McLaughlin MSHS

(605) 823-4484 Ext. 209

Page | 15

STUDENT ATTENDANCE CONTRACT

Student Name

Student Grade

Current Attendance Percentage/Goal

Current:_____________

Goal:_________

Student Address

Parent/Guardian Phone Number(s)

Student Birth Date

Parent/Guardian Phone Number(s)

It is with complete understanding that I sign this, knowing that further violations of school rules and regulations can result in a referral to the

Standing Rock Sioux Tribe Tribal Courts or South Dakota States Attorney.

I also understand that if my child’s absences exceed 15 days, future absences will only be excused by presenting a doctor’s note. Absences

without a doctor’s note will be considered unexcused absences even if I send my child to school with a note.

Student — I will: Attend all classes on time.

Follow all school rules every day.

Meet regularly with teachers, advisors, administrators, teachers, counselors, as directed.

Take teacher-signed attendance card/progress report home for parent/guardian signature and return it to school.

Complete all class assignments and homework.

Attend ICU and/or after-school programs to get caught up on missing school work.

Other:_____________________________________________________________________________

Other:_____________________________________________________________________________

Parent/Guardian — I will: Cooperate with school/district officials when I am contacted about my child’s attendance or behavior.

Ensure that my child attends school every day.

Notify school when my child is absent and provide a doctor’s note to excuse absences if required.

Attend parent conferences when requested.

Excuse my child only for valid reasons.

Discuss appropriate behavior and attendance expectations with my child.

Other:_____________________________________________________________________________

Other:_____________________________________________________________________________

School — I will: Monitor student attendance and behavior.

Contact parent regarding student attendance and behavior as necessary.

Provide academic support to student.

Identify and provide academic and behavioral interventions to student as needed.

Other:____________________________________________________________________________

Other:____________________________________________________________________________

Signatures

_____________________________ _____________ _____________________________ _____________ Student Signature Date Principal Signature Date

_____________________________ _____________ _____________________________ _____________ Parent/Guardian Signature Date Tiospaye Time Advisor Signature Date

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