Email Notifications Will Be Sent Out as Absences Add Up

Published September 8, 2017

As a part of the new accountability model issued by the Tennessee Department of Education, attendance is now a factor in school and district accountability.

If a student reaches a certain number of absences, excused or unexcused, the parents or guardians will be notified through an email. These emails will be sent out as the child reaches four, eight, 12 and 16 absences.

Below is the text that will be included in the email.

Dear Parent,

This letter is to inform you that your child has acquired at least __ absences during this school year. There are two types of absences that are closely monitored throughout the school year.

CHRONIC ABSENTEEISM

The State of Tennessee defines chronic absenteeism as a student missing 10 percent (10%) or more of the days the student is enrolled for any reason, including excused absences, unexcused absences, and out-of-school suspensions. If a student is chronically absent as defined by the State of Tennessee, then a notice identifying chronic absenteeism will be placed in the student’s file.

TRUANCY

In accordance with Tennessee law, after five (5) unexcused absences, if attendance continues to be a problem, school systems are required to notify the juvenile court per Tenn. Code Ann. § 49-6-3007.

Excessive absences from school represent lost instructional time for your child. Williamson County Schools recommends parents/guardians carefully review attendance data throughout the school year to ensure supports are in place to maximize learning time for all students.

Please check your child’s absences in Skyward Family Access. If you believe there are any errors, please contact the school attendance office immediately. Our telephone number is listed above.

Sincerely,

Attendance Department