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Attendance Handbook for School Personnel


2008-2009

August 1, 2008


Table of Contents

Introduction........................................................................................................3

2008-09 Attendance Guidelines.........................................................................4

School Attendance Responsibilities:

Administrator.............................................................................................5

Attendance Manager................................................................................6

Elementary Teacher.................................................................................7

Secondary Teacher..................................................................................8

School Social Worker................................................................................9

Attendance Intervention Assistance Team Process.........................................10

Forms and Letters.......................................................................................11-22

Community Resource Directory..................................................................25-35

DOE Entry and Withdrawal Codes..............................................................36-39

Student Code of Conduct - Attendance Policies and Procedures...............40-42

Polk County Schools Head Lice Policy.......................................................43-48

Florida Statutes...........................................................................................49-58

2008 – 2009 School Social Work School Assignments..............................59-61


INTRODUCTION

This handbook has been prepared to supply school based personnel with procedures, information, and forms necessary to address attendance issues at the school level. Original policy documents are included as resource materials.


2008-2009 ATTENDANCE GUIDELINES Utilize ConnectEd for attendance notification.

Utilize Elegrade codes in elementary schools (A = Excused Absence; U = Unexcused Absence; S = Suspended; T = Tardy).

Utilize Pinnacle codes in secondary schools (A = Excused Absence; AU = Unexcused Absence; I = ISS; O = OSS; T = Excused Tardy; TU = Unexcused Tardy).

Notify the school nurse of sick students returning to school without a doctor’s note (when the family has been notified that a doctor’s excuse is needed to return to school).

Develop, implement, monitor, and evaluate interventions for dropout, non-attending, truant and tardy students. All interventions must be documented.

Run Entry/Withdrawal (Dem009) report (on a regular basis) to follow up on students who withdraw from school and fail to enroll in another school (W02 and W26 codes).

Monitor WO2 and W26 to ensure enrollment at a new school.

Exhaust all school based resources before contacting School Social Worker to conduct address verifications.


SCHOOL ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIESAdministrator

Implement school attendance policies and procedures to ensure compliance with state statute and district policies. (Substitute teacher procedures for attendance will need to be included).

Appoint an Attendance Manager.

Designate school staff to participate in the Attendance Intervention Assistance Team.

Ensure that all appropriate staff members are instructed in the proper recording of attendance.

Ensure that accurate daily attendance is taken by all teachers.

Make sure that attendance codes are reported correctly.

Record message for ConnectEd calls with directions for parent to call the school.

Utilize ConnectEd for notification of nonattendance.


SCHOOL ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIESAttendance Manager

Develop a system to ensure teachers are notified of all communication from parents for purposes of attendance documentation.

Update Genesis records for ConnectEd messages for after hours calling.

Run weekly Genesis reports (ATD 019) of excused/unexcused absences and tardies.

Notify teachers of students exhibiting patterns of nonattendance.

Send attendance letters to parents at prescribed times. Document letters were sent.

Collect attendance documentation from teachers.

Refer to School Social Worker.

Continue to monitor and document student attendance and tardies.


SCHOOL ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIESElementary Teacher

Record daily attendance utilizing Elegrade at the start of class. Students must be present for more than 50% of the day to be counted present. Elegrade Attendance Codes are as follows:

P - Present A - Excused Absence U - Unexcused AbsenceS - Suspensions T – Tardy

Contact the parent when an explanation/excuse is not received for a student’s absence.

Document all parent contacts regarding attendance matters to include: letters in the agenda; telephone calls; and conferences.

Refer excessive absences to the school’s attendance manager for further intervention.

Allow students to make up work in accord with the Code of Student Conduct.


SCHOOL ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIESSecondary Teacher

Record daily attendance utilizing Pinnacle at the start of each class period. Pinnacle Attendance Codes are as follows:

A - Excused absence AU - Unexcused absenceS - Out of school suspension I - In school suspensionT - Excused tardy TU - Unexcused tardy

Consult with the School Attendance Manager regarding the reason for a student’s absence.

Document all parent contacts regarding attendance matters to include: letters in the agenda, telephone calls, and conferences.

Refer excessive absences to the school’s Attendance Manager for further intervention.

Allow students to make up work in accord with the Code of Student Conduct.


SCHOOL ATTENDANCE RESPONSIBILITIESSchool Social Worker

Consult with school personnel on a regularly scheduled basis.

Make home visits or telephone calls to the family.

Assist the family in locating community resources.

Consult with appropriate school/community agency personnel.

Schedule the Attendance Intervention Assistance Team (IAT) meeting.

Monitor and follow up on interventions developed during Attendance IAT meeting.

Notify agency case manager if attendance issues are unresolved while the student is under the supervision of another agency.

Facilitate court procedures for truancy as appropriate.


Attendance Intervention Assistance Team Process Consists of a multi-disciplinary team appointed by the Principal and comprised of key

school personnel. This team may include but is not limited to the teacher(s), school social worker, guidance counselor, attendance manager, parent(s), school health nurse, school psychologist, and other school or community personnel.

Reviews academic, behavioral, medical and other relevant data.

Determines reasons for non attendance and tardiness.

Utilizes the problem solving process to address reasons for non attendance or tardiness.

Develops interventions based on identified needs and designates team members responsible for implementation.

Completes the Attendance Intervention Assistance Team record.

Monitors intervention implementation and remediation.

Evaluates effectiveness of interventions.

Links to community agencies or resources as appropriate.


ELEMENTARY ATTENDANCE CONTRACT (ON SCHOOL LETTERHEAD)

Student’s Name: ID#:

This contract is to inform parents/guardians of student attendance policies at (school) . As the parent/guardian, I acknowledge my awareness of the following student attendance requirements:

1. Florida Statute 1003.26 requires regular school attendance of children between the ages of 6 and 16.

2. Florida Statute 1003.24 makes parents and legal guardians responsible, and criminally liable, for ensuring that their children attend school.

3. It is the parent’s responsibility to notify the school of the student’s absences.

4. Polk County Schools can require a doctor’s note to excuse absences if a child has exhibited a pattern of nonattendance.

5. Referral to a School Social Worker for assistance may be made if a child presents a pattern of nonattendance.

6. Parents may be required to attend school meetings to discuss patterns of nonattendance.

Parent’s Signature School Official Signature

Printed Name Printed Name

Date Date


Contrato de Asistencia Escolar Primaria (on school letterhead)

Nombre del estudiante: ID#:

Este contrato es para informarle a padres/guardianes de las polizas de asistencia escolar estudiantil en la escuela . Como padre/guardian, yo afirmo que estoy consciente de los siguientes requisitos de asistencia escolar estudiantil:

1. La Ley de Florida 1003.26 requiere asistencia regular a la escuela para ninos entre las edades de 6 a 16.

2. La Ley de Florida 1003.24 hace padres y guardianes legalmente responsable de que sus hijos asistan a la escuela.

3. Es la responsabilidad de los padres de notificar la escuela de las ausencias del estudiante

4. Las escuelas del Condado de Polk pueden requirir notas del doctor para escusar ausencias si un nino/a ha demonstrado un patron de ausencias.

5. La escuela puede referir su hijo/a a un Trabajador Social Escolar para ayuda si su hijo/a demuestra un patron de ausencias.

6. La presencia de los padres se podra requirir a reuniones en la escuela para discutir el patron de ausencias.

Firma de Padre/Guardian Firma de Oficial Escolar

Nombre en Letra de Molde Nombre en Letra de Molde

Fecha Fecha


MIDDLE/HIGH ATTENDANCE CONTRACT (ON SCHOOL LETTERHEAD)

Student’s Name: ID#:

The following contract is to inform all parties of the student attendance policies at (school) . All parties acknowledge awareness of the following student attendance requirements:

1. By law I am required to attend school until I reach the age of 16, and to the age of 18 if my parents do not sign a waiver for me to drop out.

2. Students between the ages of 16 – 18 years must comply with compulsory attendance requirements unless the Declaration of Intent to Terminate School Enrollment Form has been completed.

3. Terminating school enrollment prior to graduation has been shown to negatively impact career opportunities and earnings.

4. Students (under the age of 18) will have driving privileges revoked or suspended for nonattendance.

5. Florida law requires high school students be present in class to receive credit. A passing grade alone does not meet this requirement.

6. Florida Statute 1003.24 makes parents and legal guardians responsible, and criminally liable, for ensuring their children attend school.

7. Polk County Schools can require a doctor’s note to excuse absences if my child has exhibited a pattern of nonattendance.

8. Referral to the School Social Worker for assistance may be made when there is a pattern of nonattendance.

9. Parents may be required to attend school meetings to discuss patterns of nonattendance.

Student’s Signature Parent’s Signature School Signature

Printed Name Printed Name Printed Name

Date: Date: Date:


Contrato de Asistencia Escolar Secundaria(on school letterhead)

Nombre del estudiante: ID#:

El siguiente contrato es para informarle a todos involucrados de las polizas de asistencia estudiantil en la escuela . Todos involucrados afirman que estan consiente de los siguientes requisitos de asistencia estudiantil:

1. Por ley, yo estoy requirido de asistir a la escuela hasta que cumpla 16 anos de edad y hasta la edad de 18, si mis padres/guardianes no firman un permiso para poder dejar la escuela.

2. Estudiantes entre las edades de 16 y 18 anos deberan seguir los requisitos de asistencia compulsatoria a menos que se complete la Declaracion de Intento a Terminar el Ingreso Escolar----.

3. Terminando la escuela antes de graduacion se ha demonstrado a impactar negativamente mis opciones de carerras e ingreso.

4. Estudiantes (menor de la edad de 18) tendran sus privilegios de conducir suspendidos por las ausencias.

5. La ley de Florida require estudiantes de escuela secundaria a estar presente en clase para recibir credito. Solamente una calificacion satifactoria no va a cunplir con el requerimiento.

6. La Ley de Florida 1003.24 hace padres y guardianes legalmente responsables de asegurar que sus hijos/as asistan a la escuela.

7. Las escuelas del Condado de Polk pueden requirir una nota del doctor para escusar ausencias si mi hijo/a ha demostrado un patron de ausencias.

8. La escuela puede referir su hijo/a un Trabajador Social Escolar para ayuda si su hijo/a demuestra un patron de ausencias

9. La presencia de los padres puede ser requirida a reuniones en la escuela para discutir patrones de ausencias que pueden estar comenzando.

Firma del Estudiante Firma del Padre/Guardian Firma de la Escuela

Nombre en Letra de Molde Nombre en Letra de Molde Nombre en Letra de Molde

Fecha: Fecha: Fecha:


Sample Attendance Letter #1 Requiring Doctor’s NoteSchool Letterhead

Date:

To the Parents/Guardian of :

Florida Statute 1003.26 requires regular school attendance of children between the ages of 6 and 16. The Polk County School District takes pride in offering quality education to all students, and believes that regular school attendance is a very important part of educational success.

Our records indicate that your child has been absent days during this school year. For all future absences to be marked excused, you must provide a doctor’s note.

Parents and school staff can work together in many ways to improve attendance and academic achievement. If you feel you have received this information in error or wish to speak with someone regarding this matter, please contact the school.

Thank you for your assistance.

Sincerely,

Principal


Sample Spanish Attendance Letter #1 Requiring Doctor’s Note (School Letterhead)

Fecha:

A los Padres/Guardianes de:

La Ley de Florida 1003.26 requiere asistencia regular a la escuela de ninos/as entre la edad de 6 a 16. El Distrito Escolar del Condado de Polk tiene orgullo en ofrecer educacion de calidad a todos sus estudiantes y cree que asistencia regular a la escuela es una parte bien importante del exito educacional.

Nuestros expedients indican que su hijo/ja has estado ausente dias durante este ano escolar. Para poder escusar cualquier futura ausencia, usted debera proveer una nota o escusa del doctor.

Padres y facultad escolar pueden trabajar juntos en varias maneras para mejorar asistencia escolar y progreso academico. Si usted cree que ha recibido esta informacion en error o desea hablar con alguien sobre este caso, favor de comunicarse con la escuela.

Gracias por su asistencia

Sinceramente,

Principal


Sample Attendance Letter #2 for Five Unexcused Absences (School Letterhead)

Date:

To the Parents/Guardians of :Florida Law requires all children to attend school regularly. Legal actions may be taken against the parent and/or the student for nonattendance. The Polk County School District takes pride in offering quality education to all students, and believes that regular school attendance is a very important part of educational success.

I am sure that you are concerned about your child’s future, and understand the important role that regular school attendance will play. Each time your child is absent from class, they miss important instruction and assignments. School records indicate that your child has been absent days of school this school year. of the days are unexcused. Attempts have been made by school personnel to assist you in addressing your child’s attendance issues. If your child’s attendance problems continue, a School Social Worker will be assigned to provide further assistance.

Parents and school staff can work together in many ways to improve attendance and achievement. Please do not hesitate to contact the school if you would like to speak with someone regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Principal


Spanish Attendance Letter #2 for Five Unexcused Absences (School Letterhead)

Fecha:

A los Padres/Guardianes de :

La Ley de Florida requiere que todos los ninos/as asistan a la escuela regularmente. Accion legal puede ser tomada en contra del padre y/o el estudiante por no asistir a la escuela. El Distrito Escolar del Condado de Polk tiene orgullo en ofrecer educacion de calidad a todos estudiantes, y cree que asistencia regular a la escuela es una parte bien importante del exito educacional.

Estoy seguro que usted esta preocupado sobre el futuro de su hijo/a y entiende la importancia que juega la asistencia regular a la escuela. Cade ves que su hijo esta ausente de la escuela, pierde intruccion y asignaciones importantes. Expedients escolares indican que su hijo/a ha estado ausente dias de escuela en este ano escolar. de estos dias han sido sin escusa. Intentos han sido echo por personas y facultad de la escuela para ayudar con los problemas de asistencia escolar de su hijo/a. Si los problemas de asistencia escolar de su hijo/a continuan, se le asignara a usted un Trabajador Social Escolar para proveerle ayuda adicional.

Padres y facultad escolar pueden trabajar juntos en varias maneras para mejorar asistencia escolar y progreso academico. Por favor no se apure en comunicarse con la escuela si usted desea hablar con alguna persona sobre este caso.

Sinceramente,

Principal


Sample Attendance Letter #3School Letterhead

Date:

Re: School Nonattendance

To the Parents/Guardians of :

Florida Law requires all children to attend school regularly. Legal actions may be taken against the parent and/or the student for nonattendance. The Polk County School District takes pride in offering quality education to all students, and believes that regular school attendance is a very important part of educational success.

School records indicate that your child has been absent days of school this school year. of the days are unexcused.

Since your child’s pattern of nonattendance has continued, a School Social Worker will be contacting you. Further interventions, up to and including legal action, will be forthcoming if the attendance issue is not resolved.

Your prompt attention to this matter will be appreciated.

Sincerely,

Principal


Spanish Attendance Letter #3School Letterhead

Fecha:

Re: Ausencias Escolares

A los Padres/Guardianes de :

La Ley de Florida requiere que todos los ninos/as asistan a la escuela regularmente. Accion legal puede ser tomada en contra del padre y/o el estudiante por no asistir a la escuela. El Distrito Escolar del Condado de Polk tiene orgullo en ofrecer educacion de calidad a todos estudiantes y cree que asistencia regular a la escuela es una parte bien importante del exito educacional.

Expediantes escolares indican que su hijo/a ha estado ausente dias de escuela en este ano escolar. de los dias han sido sin escusa.

Porque el patron de ausencias de su hijo/a a continuado, se estara comunicando con usted un Trabajador Social Escolar. Intervenciones addiocionales, incluyendo accion legal, occurriran si los problemas de asistencia escolar no se resuelven.

Sinceramente,

Principal


Attendance Committee RecommendationsStudents Name: DOB: School

Student I.D.#: Parent/Guardian’s Name:

Time, Date and Location of Meeting / /

Checklist:

1. Copy of current attendance printout

2. Copy of Attendance Contract

3. Copy of School Social Worker Chronological Notes

4. Copies of letters sent to parents regarding attendance

5. Copy of results from Attendance/IAT Meeting(s)

6. Copy of Emergency Card

7. Copies of other relevant documentation

8. Blank copy of Attendance/IAT Record form

Recommendations:

1. Refer to Youth & Family Alternatives

2. Parents did not show

3. Other(s) (Explain fully.)

Participants’ Signatures:

School Social Worker Youth & Family Alternatives Representative

Student Services Representative School Representative

Parent/Guardian

Copies: Student Cumulative Folder, Parent, School Social Worker, Student Services


Polk County SchoolsAttendance – Intervention Assistance Team Record

Student’s Name: DOB: Student ID#:

School: Grade/Subject: Teacher:

Date A-IAT Meeting (1): Date A-IAT Meeting (2) (if applicable):

Presenting

Problem Reason Interventions

Start

Date

End

Date

Person Responsible

Outcome

Members in attendance: 22 Revised 05-08-08


Student ServicesPolk County Resource Guide


TABLE

ABUSE.................................................................................................25

ADOPTION...........................................................................................25

ALCOHOL/SUBSTANCE ABUSE.......................................................25

CHILD CARE........................................................................................26

CLOTHING, FINANCIAL AID, FOOD & UTILITIES.............................26

DISABILITY SERVICES.......................................................................27

EDUCATION RESOURCES.................................................................28

ELDERLY SERVICES..........................................................................28

EMPLOYMENT & JOB TRAINING......................................................29

HEALTH SERVICES............................................................................29

HOUSING.............................................................................................30

JUVENILE JUSTICE............................................................................31

LEGAL SERVICES..............................................................................31

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES............................................................31

MENTORING........................................................................................32

MIGRANT SERVICES..........................................................................32

PREGNANCY/PARENTING EDUCATION..........................................32

RESOURCES.......................................................................................33

SUPPORT GROUPS............................................................................34

TRANSPORTATION............................................................................35

YOUTH SERVICES..............................................................................35


ABUSE

ADAPT- Abolish Domestic Violence Alternatives and Prevention 534-4698Children’s Home Society

Bartow (CPT & CAC) 519-3906 Lakeland 413-3126

Department of Children and Families 619-4201 Bartow 534-7100 Lakeland 619-4201

Devereux Florida Independent Living Program 298-5601 Investigations & Protective Services 298-4400 Therapeutic Foster Care 298-5601

Florida Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2879Guardian Ad Litem Program 534-4605Gulf Coast Community Care 904-3000Heartland for Children 519-8900Kids Hope United 701-7444Peace River Domestic Violence Shelter 413-2700Peace River Rape Crisis 413 2707

ADOPTION

Catholic Charities of Central Florida Lakeland 686 7153 Winter Haven 299-7983

Catholic Social Services Family Help 686-1651Children’s Home Society 413-3126Florida Adoption Info Center 1-800-962-3678Florida Baptist Children’s Home 688-4981Florida Department of Children and Families

Bartow 534-7050 Lakeland 413-2186

National Adoption Center for Special Needs 1-800-862-3678

ALCOHOL/SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Education/OutpatientACTS 428-1520Al-Anon Family Groups 687-3800Alcoholics Anonymous 687-9275

Baycare at Lakeland 859-9104Central Florida Human Services 682-8211Drug Court

Adult 534-4612 Juvenile 534-4612

Drug Helpline 1-800-662-4357Drug Prevention Resource Center 802-0777Lakeland Centers 687-9900Lakeland Regional Medical Center 687-1222Mark Wilcox Center 291-5355Mothers Against Methamphetamines 519-0000MADD-Mothers Against Drunk Driving 285-8478


Narcotics Anonymous Helpline 683-0630New Life Ministry 682-7842Project Next Stop 533-2321PRIDE Partnership of Polk County 294-1853Tri County Human Services 709-9392

Bartow (Detox) 533-4139 Highland City 701-7373 Lakeland (education) 665 5599 Winter Haven 299-4357

Residential-Central Florida AreaAGAPE House (Winter Haven) 863-299-7003Center for Drug Free Living 407-425-8111

Adolescent-Orlando 407-521-2495Women-Orlando 407-297-2010

Winter Haven Center for Psychiatry 800-723-3248Florida Center for Addictions & Dual Diagnosis 863-452-3858(Avon Park)House of Freedom Inc. (Kissimmee) 407-846-1152La Amistad Behavioral Health Services (Maitland) 407-647-0660New Horizon (Mulberry) 863-428-1520Operation Par- Par Academy for Behavioral Change 1-888-727-6398(St. Petersburg, Fl)Osceola Counseling Center for Drug Free Living 407-846-5285RASUW Center for Women (Winter Haven) 863-533 5860Teen Challenge (Lakeland) 863-647-1944Teen Challenge (Christian based) 407-622-5200(Male-Bonifay, Fl)(Female-Deland, Fl)The Bridge (Auburndale) 863-965-6308

CHILD CARE

ARBORS Lakeland 577-2450 Winter Haven 508-1100

Child Development Center of Polk County 683-6504Child Find 534 0946Head Start

Eloise 291-5316 Lakeland 853-6027

CLOTHING, FINANCIAL AID, FOOD & UTILITIES

AGAPE Food Bank 665-7074Angel Food Ministries

Acts Ministries, Inc. (Winter Haven) 512-0762 Breath of Life Christian Center (Kissimmee) 407-344-2522 Davenport United Methodist Church (Davenport) 422-3568 First Baptist Church of Eagle Lake (Eagle Lake) 534-1195 New Beginnings World Wide Outreach Ministries (HC) 422-0107 Ridge Assembly of God (Davenport) 420-7000 Word of Life Christian Center (Bartow) 533-0007


Auburndale Relief Association 967-9711Catholic Charities of Central Florida

Lakeland 686-7153 Winter Haven 299-7983

Children’s Clothes Closet 683-2086Church Service Center 533-5822Department of Children and Families 866-762-2237(Access Florida-WAGES, Food Stamps, Medicaid)Family Emergency Service Center 294-1939Farm Workers 967-9583Frostproof Care Center 863-635-5555HEARTH Program 534-0801Help of Fort Meade 285-6600HOPE Center 683-8182Hunger Hotline 1-800-329-3663Lake Wales Center 863-676-1949Lake Wales Care Center 863-676-6678Lakeland Vineyard Christian Fellowship 647-9706Lighthouse Ministries 687-3705Mulberry Community Service Center 425-1523Polk County Social Services 534-5387Polk Opportunity Council

Bartow 533-0015Salvation Army

Lakeland 682-8179 Winter Haven 291-5107 Haines City 422-9640

SHARE Program 1-800-536-3379Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213St. Ann’s Catholic Church 863-422-4370Talbot House Ministries 687-8475Women, Infants and Children (WIC) 519-7542The Outreach Center 665-7700

DISABILITY SERVICES

Agency for Persons with Disability 413-3360Center for Independent Living 413-2722Department of Children and Families 619-4236(Developmental Disabilities)Disabilities & Religion Project of Fl, Inc. 682-2578Disabilities Information & Referral 850-488-0059Epilepsy Services of West Central Fl, Inc 686-5880Goodwill Industries-Adult Day Training 701-1351March of Dimes Birth Defects Found’n of Polk County 687-8909Polk County Association for Handicapped Citizens, Inc. 665-3846Polk County School Board (ESE) 534-0930Polk County Schools ESE Transitional Program 534-0922Polk County Special Olympics 534-0955Polk Training Center for Handicapped Citizens, Inc. 956-1620School to Work Vocational Rehabilitation Program 680-5534Social Security Administration



Special Needs Shelter Registration/Info 534-5600Sunrise Community of Polk County 680-2817TLC Retirement Residence 688-1196Vocational Rehabilitation


EDUCATION RESOURCES

Drug Prevention Resource Center 802-0777Families of Faith 686-7755Florida Diagnostic and Learning Resource Center 534-0950Florida Virtual School 407-317-3326HEARTH Program 534-0801Home School Office 534-0024Learning Resource Center 688-9477Mark Wilcox Center 294-5355Polk County Home School 534-0024Polk County School Board (ESE) 534-0930Polk Virtual School 534-7214Teen Parent Program, Polk County Schools

Lakeland 499-2963 Ridge Tech Center 419-3060

ELDERLY SERVICES

Action Health Care & Staffing, Inc 680-2273Amedisys Home Health Care 297-1873American Association for Retired Persons 666-1908Bartow Multi Purpose Center-Elderly Services 534-0393Bay Area Behavioral Health Division 297-1702Care Givers Home Health Services

Dundee 863-439-8215 Lakeland 863-683-5574

Cornerstone Hospice 421-1482Department of Children and Families (Adult Services) 534-0845Evercare 813-818-3253Experience Works 967-9631Florida Baptist Adult Group Home 800-962-2873Good Shepherd Hospice 297-1880Independent Home Health Service 665-8866Interim Healthcare Inc-Homemaker Assistance 619-8822Lakeland Multi Purpose Center-Elderly Services 499-2606Lake Morton Senior Center 687-2988Neighborhood Service Center 294-5860Polk County Elderly Services 534-5320Seniors vs. Crime 413-3000Retired Senior Volunteer Program 534-6729Veterans Services 683-5627, ext.140Volunteers in Service to the Elderly 284-0828West Central Florida Agency on Aging 1-800-336-2226


EMPLOYMENT & JOB TRAINING

GED/ Career TrainingEast Area Adult School 965-5475Farmworker Jobs & Education 291-5713Job Corp 508-1100, ext 307Life Skills Center 683-6279


Luster All Vocational Training School 533-2359Polk Works Young Leaders

Haines City 863-421-9346 Lakeland 688-6162 Winter Haven 508-1589

Ridge Career Center 419-3060Travis Career Center 499-2700West Area Adult School 499-2835Youth Build 687-2911

EmploymentDisplaced Homemakers Program 683-5627, ext 116Polk Works One Stop Center


HEALTH SERVICES

DentalLakeland Volunteers in Medicine 688-5846Polk County Health Department Dental Clinics

Auburndale 965-5400 Bartow 534-7258 Lakeland 413-2620

Traviss Career Center 499-2700

Health Care & MedicationsFlorida KidCare 1-888-540-5437Florida Medicaid 1-800-226-2316Healthy Kids Corporation 534-5313 or 1-888-352-5437MEDNET- Prescription Assistance Services 519-2042MomCare Program (Healthy Start) 297-4481Polk Health Care Plan 533-1111Tri County Pharmacy 937-0480

MedicalCentral Florida Health Care, Inc.

Dundee 863-419-3330 Frostproof Clinic 863-635-4891

Children’s Medical Services 701-1151Haley Center Faith Based Care 294-0985Healthy Community Access Program 534-5640Lakeland Volunteers in Medicine 688-5846


Polk County Health Department Auburndale 965-5400 Bartow 519-7916 Haines City 421-3204 Lake Wales 678-4131 Lakeland 413-2620

Vision & HearingAll Children’s Specialty Care of Lakeland 802-6600Central Florida Speech and Hearing 686-3189Central Florida Deaf Services 686-1221, ext 239Deaf Service Center of Polk County 701-0544Deaf Program of Tampa Bay Academy 813-677-2502Florida Division of Blind Services 499-2385Florida School for the Deaf and Blind 1-800-344 3732Florida Vision Quest 499-2821Our Children’s Rehab Services Center 294-1429Pediatric Therapy Services, Inc. 802-3800Tampa Lighthouse for the Blind 813-251-2407Traviss Career Center 499-2700, ext.268

HOUSING

Emergency Housing (Shelter)Lighthouse Ministries

Men 687-3705 Women and Children 687-4076

Talbot House Ministries 687-8475Salvation Army


Women’s Care Center 534-3844

Housing AssistanceCity of Lakeland Housing Division 834-3360Habitat for Humanity


Hearth Program 534-0801Homeless Coalition of Polk County 687-8386Housing Authority

Bartow 533-6311 Haines City 421-3680 Lake Wales 676-7414 Lakeland 687-2911 Winter Haven 294-7369

Housing & Neighborhood Development 534-5240Lake Wales Center 676-1949Section 8 Housing 534-5240Winter Haven Community Development 291-5895


JUVENILE JUSTICE

Bay Area Youth Services 667-4701Florida Department of Juvenile Justice Probation 534-7175Juvenile Assessment Center 519-3655Juvenile Detention Center 534-7020Public Defenders Office 534-4200Polk County Sherriff’s STAR One Day Boot Camp 519-3995State Attorney’s Office

Juvenile Division 534-4904Teen Court 534-4656TIP Program (Lakeland Police Dept) 413-2051Youth and Family Alternatives 499-2430

LEGAL SERVICES

Child Support Enforcement Program 284-4410Department of Revenue (Child Support) 1-800-622-5437Domestic Violence Program-Injunction for Protection 534-4180Florida Rural Legal Services 688-7376Florida Four Legged Advocates 293-4007Heart of Florida Legal Aid Society (Divorce) 519-5663Polk County Clerk of the Court 534-4698(ADAPT- Abolish Domestic Violence Alternatives and Prevention Techniques)(Dependency Mediation)(Family Mediation)(Positive Co-Parenting)Social Security Administration 1-800-772-1213

Lakeland 683-0611Victim’s Assistance Office 534-4800

MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES

Central Florida Human Services Center 682-8111Lakeland Regional Medical Center for Counseling 687-1222Mid Florida Center for Counseling 533-2321National Alliance on Mental Illness of Polk County (NAMI) 413-2788Park Place 407-846-0023Peace River Center


Project Next Stop 533-2321SEDNET 534-0934Winter Haven Hospital Behavioral Health Division 294-7062Wisdom for Living, Inc. 603-0350

CrisisPeace River Crisis Hotline 519-3744Suicide Hotline 1-800-SUICIDE

Bereavement/GriefBethany Center 802-0456Cornerstone Hospice 291-5567


Good Shepherd Hospice 297-1880Innovations in Counseling 294-8845Life Path Hospice 682-0027

MENTORING

Big Brothers/Big Sisters 682-5191Boys and Girls Club


Boys Scouts of America 533-2775City of Lakeland Parks & Recreation 834-6035Girls Inc

Lakeland (W. Highland) 682-3002 Lakeland (MLK Ave) 688-7671 Winter Haven 967-2864

Girls Scouts of America 688-7648Gulf Coast Community Care 904-3000Parks and Recreation Department 534-4341Police Activities League 834-8970YMCA

North Lakeland 859-7769 South Lakeland 644-3528 Lake Wales 676-9441 Winter Haven 292-0922

4 H of Polk County 519-8677

MIGRANT SERVICES

Agricultural & Labor Program (ALPI) 956-3491Centro Campesino 967-9583East Coast Migrant Head Start Project 299-7100Farmworker Jobs & Education 291-5713Florida Department of Labor 291-5292Immigration Services 800-375-5283Migrant Education 534-0655Redlands Christian Migrant Associations 813-967-0223Social Security Administration 800-772-1213

Lakeland 683-0611

PREGNANCY/ PARENTING EDUCATION

Prenatal Care/EducationCatholic Charities of Central Florida

Lakeland 686 7153 Winter Haven 299-7983

Central Florida Health Care 635-4891Exodus Women’s Center 1-800-780-2229Healthy Start

Auburndale 965-3739 Bartow 534-7142 Lake Wales 678-4000 Lakeland 413-2620 Haines City 421-3210

Healthy Start Coalition of Hardee, Highlands and Polk Counties 297-3043Lakeland Parents of Multiples 648-5533Lakeland Regional Medical Center 687-1100


March of Dimes 687-8909New Creation Pregnancy Center 683-2341Planned Parenthood 665-5735Pregnancy Health Center 682-5763Polk County Health Department

Auburndale 965-5400 Bartow 519-7916 Haines City 421-3214 Lake Wales 678-4131 Lakeland 413-2620 Winter Haven OB/GYN Clinic 291-5220/5217

Regency Medical Center 294-7010Teen Parent Program, Polk County Schools

Lakeland 499-2963 Ridge Tech Center 419-3060

Breast Feeding SupportHealthy Start

Auburndale 965-3739 Bartow 534-7142 Lake Wales 678-4000 Lakeland 413-2620 Haines City 421-3210

La Leche League of Lakeland 680-1118Lakeland Regional Medical Center 687-1100Regency Medical Center 294-7068Women, Infants & Children (WIC)

Auburndale 965-5452 Bartow 519-7542 Haines City 419-3250 Lake Wales 678-4013 Lakeland 413-2638

ParentingAlternative Behavioral Concepts 551-3300Devereux Early Childhood Assessment Program 519 8900, ext 223Family Fundamentals 686-1221Healthy Families Polk 603-6461GoGrandmaGo 644-8239Gulf Coast Community Care 904-3000Peace River Center


Positive Co-Parenting 534-4698Winter Haven Behavioral Health 291-3611Youth and Family Alternatives 499-2430

RESOURCES

Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline 1 800 96ABUSEFamily Fundamentals 686-1221Healthy Communities Access Program 534 5640Heartland for Children 519-8900One Today Polk 397 9286United Way 648-1500

SUPPORT GROUPS


A Differently Abled National Alliance for Mentally Ill 686-1221, ext. 221Aids Support Group 291-3737 or 678-1106Alzheimer’s Support Groups 294-3144 or 299-1064Alliance for the Mentally Ill 667-2068Amputee Support Group 293-1121, ext. 1171Aphasia Support Group 293-1121, ext 2726Bounce- When life gets you down-bounce back 409-5049Brain Injury Support Group 293-1121Breast Feeding Class 687-1100, ext.2097Breathe Better with Support 965-5400Cancer Support Group 291-6705Diabetes Information and Support Group 676-1433, ext. 4166 or 284-1604Domestic Violence Support Group 294-5318Eating Healthy for Life 676-1433, ext. 4166Epilepsy Support Group 686-5880Family & Caregivers Support Group 294-7056, ext. 3673

676-1433, ext. 4166Fibromyalgia Support Group 299-5170, 676-1433, ext. 4166First Months Club for Parents 294-7020First Steps Club for Parents 294-7020Grief Support Group 297-1877GoGrandmaGo 644-8239Heads Up-Keeping Parents in the Loop 409-5049Lifelink Donor Awareness & Support Group 324-3186Lupus Information and Support Group 956-3904Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group 291-6705National Alliance on Mental Illness of Polk County 413-2788Newborn Care Class 687-1100, ext. 2097Ostomy Club 293-1121, ext.1511Parent Support Group (Foster Parent Association) 686-1221, ext. 221Parental Encouragement for Autistic Children Everywhere 686-1221, ext. 221Parkinson’s Support Group 297-1706Perinatal Bereavement 325-9742 or 294-7044Prepared Childbirth Weekday Course 687-1100, ext. 2097Pulmonary Rehab Support Group & Class 284-1985Rape Crisis Support Group 299-5025Stroke Support Group 297-1807Support Group for the Blind 293-6429Teen Prenatal Classes 687-1100, ext.2097Thyroid Interest Group 357-7238Woman to Woman (Breast Cancer Support Group) 291-6705

Support Group ResourcesFamily Fundamentals 686-1221Lakeland LedgerLakeland Regional Medical Center 687-1100Peace River Center 519-0575Winter Haven Hospital Behavioral Health Division 293-1121Winter Haven Hospital 293-1121


TRANSPORTATION

Citrus Cars 508-1100, ext 342Citrus Connection

Handy Bus (Lakeland) 688-5438 Polk County Transit Services 688-7433

Department of Motor Vehicles 499-2323Florida Medicaid 1-800-226-2316Polk County Human Services (Medicaid) 534-5200Polk County Transit Services 534-5500

YOUTH SERVICES

Day Treatment/SchoolingAssociates Marine Institutes (AMI Lakeland) 682-7600Bill Duncan Excel Center 499-2860Don Woods Excel Center 421-3325Foundation Charter School 682-8111PACE School for Girls 688-5596PACE Program 967-7596Polk County Sheriff’s STAR One Day Boot Camp 519-3995

Residential/ShelterAnchor House Ministries 665-1916Family Health Line 1-800-451-2229Florida Baptist Children Homes 698-8811Florida Sheriff’s Youth Ranch 533-7557George Harris Youth Shelter 595-0220New Horizons 428-1520Polk County Sheriff’s STAR Boot Camp (court order) 519-3995Tampa Bay Academy 813-677-6700University Behavioral Center (Orlando) 407-281-7000

Implementation Date:Fiscal Year 1992-93

July 1, 1992


FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATIONDOE INFORMATION DATA BASE REQUIREMENTS

VOLUME I: AUTOMATED STUDENT INFORMATION SYSTEM AUTOMATED STUDENT DATA ELEMENTS

(Dropout codes are designated by an asterisk.)APPENDIX A

ATTENDANCE RECORDKEEPING REQUIRED CODES FOR GRADE PK-12 STUDENTS ENTRIES INTO FLORIDA

PUBLIC SCHOOLS THIS SCHOOL YEAR

E01 - Any PK-12 student who was enrolled in a public school in this school district the previous school year.

E02 - Any PK-12 student whose last school of enrollment was a public school outside of this district, or in another state or territory.

E03 - Any PK-12 student whose last school of enrollment was a private school in any Florida school district, or another state or territory.

E04 - Any PK-12 student who is enrolling in a public school in this district after having been in home education in any Florida school district, or another state or territory.

E05 – Any student entering PK or KG for the first time.

E09 – Any PK-12 student who enters a Florida school from a country other than the United States or a United States Commonwealth/Territory.

REENTERING INTO FLORIDA PUBLIC SCHOOLS

R01 - Any PK-12 student who was received from another attendance reporting unit in the same school.

R02 - Any PK-12 student who was received from another school in the same district.

R03 - Any PK-12 student who unexpectedly reenters a school in the same district after withdrawing or being discharged.

WITHDRAWAL FROM FLORIDA PUBLIC SCHOOLS: GRADE PK-12 STUDENTS

* DNE - Any PK-12 student who was expected to attend a school but did not enter as expected for unknown reasons.

W01 - Any PK-12 student promoted, retained or transferred to another attendance reporting unit in the same school.

W02 - Any PK-12 student promoted, retained or transferred to another school in the same district.

W3A - Any PK-12 student who withdraws to attend a public school in another district in Florida.

W3B – Any PK-12 student who withdraws to attend another public school out-of-state.

W04 - Any PK-12 student who withdraws to attend a nonpublic school in- or out-of-state.

* W05 - Any student age 16 or older who leaves school voluntarily with no intention of returning.

W06 - Any student who graduated from school and met all of the requirements to receive a standard diploma.

W6A - Any student who graduated from school and met all of the requirements to receive a standard diploma, based on the 18-credit college preparatory graduation option.

W6B - Any student who graduated from school and met all of the requirements to receive a standard diploma, based on the 18-credit career preparatory graduation option.

W07 - Any student who graduated from school with a special diploma based on option one--mastery of Sunshine State Standards for Special Diploma.

W08 - Any student who received a certificate of completion. The student met the minimum credits and local requirements, but did not pass the state approved graduation test or an alternate assessment, and/or did not achieve the required GPA.

Revised: 7/08 Volume I Effective: 7/08 Page Number: A-1


July 1, 1992


FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION DOE INFORMATION DATA BASE REQUIREMENTS


(Dropout codes are designated by an asterisk.)APPENDIX A (Continued)

ATTENDANCE RECORDKEEPING REQUIRED CODES FOR GRADE PK-12 STUDENTS (Continued)


W8A - Any student who met all of the requirements to receive a standard diploma except passing the state approved graduation test and received a certificate of completion and is eligible to take the College Placement Test and be admitted to remedial or credit courses at a state community college as appropriate.

W09 - Any student who received a special certificate of completion, is properly classified as an eligible exceptional education student, met applicable local requirements, and was unable to meet appropriate special state minimum requirements.

W10 – Any student who completed the GED Exit Option Model Program requirements, passed the GED Tests and the state approved graduation test, and was awarded a standard diploma.

W12 - Any PK-12 student withdrawn from school due to death.

* W13 - Any KG-12 student withdrawn from school due to court action.

* W15 - Any KG-12 student who is withdrawn from school due to nonattendance.

* W18 - Any KG-12 student who withdraws from school due to medical reasons.

* W21 - Any KG-12 student who is withdrawn from school due to being expelled.

* W22 - Any KG-12 student whose whereabouts is unknown.

* W23 – Any KG-12 student who withdraws from school for any reason other than W01 - W22 or W24 – W27.


W24 - Any KG-12 student who withdraws from school to attend a Home Education program.

W25 - Any student under the age of 6 who withdraws from school.

W26 - Any student who withdraws from school to enter the adult education program prior to completion of graduation requirements.

W27 - Any student who graduated from school with a special diploma based on option two-mastery of employment and community competencies.

WFA – Any student who graduated from school with a standard diploma based on an 18-credit college preparatory graduation option and satisfied the state approved graduation test requirement through an alternate assessment.

WFB – Any student who graduated from school with a standard diploma based on an 18-credit career preparatory graduation option and satisfied the state approved graduation test requirement through an alternate assessment.

WFT - Any student who graduated from school with a standard diploma and satisfied the state approved graduation test requirement through an alternate assessment. (For students meeting accelerated high school graduation option requirements, see WFA and WFB.)

WFW – Any student with disabilities who graduated from school with a standard diploma and an FCAT waiver.

WGA – Any student who completed the GED Exit Option Model Program requirements, passed the GED Tests, satisfied the state approved graduation test requirement through an alternate assessment, and was awarded a standard diploma.



July 1, 1992


July 1, 1992




(Dropout codes are designated by an asterisk.)APPENDIX A (Continued)

ATTENDANCE RECORDKEEPING REQUIRED CODES FOR GRADE PK-12 STUDENTS (Continued)


WGD – Any student who completed the GED Exit Option Model Program requirements and passed the GED Tests, but did not pass the state approvedgraduation test and was awarded a State of Floridadiploma, or any DJJ student passing the GED Testsin accordance with s.1003.51(4), Florida Statutes.

WPO – Any student who is withdrawn from schoolwithout receiving a standard diploma and subsequentto receiving a W07, W08, W8A, W09, or W27 duringthe student’s year of high school completion.

Listed below is a summary of the Dropout, Diploma and Certificate Codes.

Dropout Codes: DNE, W05, W13, W15, W18, W21, W22, W23

Diploma Codes: Standard Diplomas: W06, W6A, W6B, W10, WFA, WFB,WFT, WFW, WGA Special Diplomas:W07, W27 State of Florida Diploma: WGD

Certificate Codes: Certificates of Completion: W08, W8A Special Certificate of Completion: W09





APPENDIX B ATTENDANCE RECORDKEEPING REQUIRED CODES FOR ADULT STUDENTS

ENTRY: ADULT STUDENTS

EA1 - The original entry of an adult student into this class.

REENTRY: ADULT STUDENTS

RA1 - Reentry of an adult student into the same class after withdrawal from that class for any reason.

WITHDRAWALS: ADULT STUDENTS

W28 - Any adult student who left the postsecondary adult job preparatory program as a program completer.

W29 - Any adult student who withdraws from a class but remains enrolled in another class in the program.

W30 - Any adult student who left the class/program to take a job, previously unemployed.

W31 - Any adult student who left the class/program to take a better job, previously employed.

W32 - Any adult student who left the class/program to enter another training program.

W33 - Achieved personal objective.

W34 - Any adult student who left the class/program for lack of interest.

W35 - Any adult student who left the class/program because of health problems.

W36 - Any adult student who left the class/program because of transportation problems.

W37 - Any adult student who left the class/program because of child care problems.

W38 - Any adult student who left the class/program because of family problems.

W39 - Any adult student who left the class/program because of the time the class/program is scheduled.

W40 - Any adult student who left the class/program because of other known reasons.

W41 - Any adult student who left the class/program because of unknown reasons.

W42 - Any adult student who was expelled from school.

W43 - Any adult student who graduated from school with a standard diploma.

W44 - Any adult student who left school with a certificate of completion.

W45 - Any adult student who left school with a State of Florida diploma (GED).

W46 - Any adult student who left the class/program because of the location where the courses met.

W47 - Any adult student who is procedurally withdrawn at the end of the term or school year who will continue in the class/program the next term or school year.

W48 - Any student in grades 9-12 taking an adult course for high school credit who is working towards a high school diploma who has left before completing the class/program.

W49 - Any adult student who left the class/program because of having changed address or left the area.

W50 - Any adult student withdrawn from school due to death.

W51 - Any student in grades 9-12 taking an adult course for high school credit who is working towards a high school diploma who has completed the class/program.

W52 - Any adult student who graduated from school with a standard diploma and satisfied the graduation test requirement through an alternate assessment.

Revised: Volume I Effective: 7/08 Page Number: B-1


2008-2009 CODE OF STUDENT CONDUCTSECTION 2.01. ABSENCE: Also see Attendance, Checking Out of Class or School, Graduation Requirements, and Makeup Work.

A. Daily Report: Teachers shall record daily attendance in the Automated Student Attendance System.

B. Excused Absences: An excused absence is defined as an absence that has the sanction of the parent and the school. The following absences are acceptable and will be excused:

1. Personal Illness: A student shall be excused for absences caused by personal illness. A note explaining the absence which has been signed by the parent must accompany the student on return to school, or a telephone call from the parent if required by the principal. A student may be excused for a continued or repeated illness for up to ten (10) attendance days in a span of a ninety calendar (90) day period. After this period of time, a doctor’s verification will be required. If no verification is submitted within three (3) student attendance days upon return to school, referral to the school nurse will be required [F. S. 1003.26].

2. Illness or Death in the Immediate Family: A student shall be excused for absences caused by serious illness or death in the immediate family. Immediate family is defined as parent, brother, sister, grandparent, aunt, uncle, legal guardian or person in loco parentis, or member of the household. A note explaining the absence that has been signed by the parent must accompany the student on return to school.

3. Religious Holidays: A student shall be excused from attendance in school in grades K-12 on a day or days or particular time of day, and shall be given the opportunity to make up any work missed due to that student’s observance of a religious holiday.

4. Prior Notice: The parent shall give written notice to the principal or teacher not more than five (5) days prior to any absence.

5. Written Excuse: A written excuse for such absences pursuant to this rule shall not be required upon return to school.

6. Educational Trips: Such trips shall be planned by the parent and teacher and prearranged and approved by the school administration. The student shall prepare and submit a written report of the trip to the teacher.

7. Trips with Parents: Such trips shall be prearranged and approved by the school administration. If such trips are not prearranged, the absences shall not be excused unless the trip was necessitated by an emergency. The principal or designee will make the final determination.

8. School Sponsored Activities: A student shall be excused from attendance at school to participate in school sponsored activities such as athletic functions, band, club trips, etc., if such activities have been prearranged with the school administration. These students are to be counted in attendance at said school for this period of time.

9. Judicial Actions:

a. Subpoena/Summons: A student shall be excused for any absence due to court appearance provided the principal or designee has been furnished a copy of the subpoena or court summons.

b. Juvenile Detention Center: A student shall be excused for any absence due to placement in the Juvenile Detention Center.


C. Unexcused Absence: An unexcused absence is defined as an absence that does not meet the criterion of an excused absence listed in section B. Students cannot be suspended out of school for unexcused absences. For the purpose of a truancy petition, the student must be present more than 50% of the day to be counted present.

SECTION 2.04. ATTENDANCE REQUIREMENTS: Also refer to Absence, Checking Out of Class or School, Driver License Requirements, Graduation Requirements, and Makeup Work.

A. Compulsory Attendance: All children who have attained the age of six (6) years by February 1st of any school year, or who are older than six (6) years of age but have not attained the age of sixteen (16) years, are required to attend school regularly during the entire school term unless otherwise exempt under the law. Students between 16 and 18 years of age must regularly attend school and are subject to all required intervention and related enforcement procedures unless the parent and the student have formally terminated school enrollment by completing the Declaration of Intent to Terminate School Enrollment form and participate in an Exit Interview.

B. Truancy: Truancy is defined as the absence of a student within the compulsory attendance age without the knowledge, consent, or connivance of the parent. The student may be referred to the circuit court as provided by law; however, the parent and student will be afforded the opportunity to meet with school personnel in an effort to solve the attendance problem before a referral is made. Students deemed truant may lose their Florida driving privilege: See DRIVER LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: SECTION 2.11.

C. Responsibility for Attendance: The responsibility for attendance of a child within the compulsory age limit rests primarily with the parent, the principal, and the teacher.

1. Parent: The responsibility of the parent is to ensure that his or her child attends school daily. The status of an absence (excused or unexcused) or tardiness must be resolved with school personnel within two school days of the student's absence (see Section 2.01 B and C for definitions of excused and unexcused absences).

If the parent of a child within the compulsory school attendance age is found to be responsible for the unexcused nonattendance of that child, criminal prosecution against the parent may be instituted as provided by law.

2. School Administration: Any student who is absent without an excused absence for more than five (5) days during a nine-week grading period will be reviewed by an Attendance Committee chosen by the principal. The Attendance Committee is responsible for developing, implementing, monitoring and evaluating interventions to improve attendance. A referral for social work services and community resources-or-involvement of the State Attorney’s Office may be warranted.

SECTION 2.11. DRIVER LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: Any student who is eligible (age 15, 16, or 17) to obtain a restricted or regular Florida driver license must also be in compliance with school attendance requirements of Section 322.091, Florida Statutes, prior to applying for a Florida driver license.

SECTION 2.21. MAKEUP WORK: Makeup work should be appropriate instructional assignments consistent with the Student Progression Plan.

A. Students’ Rights: Students have the right to make up work missed because of excused and unexcused absences.

B. Students’ Responsibilities: A student who is absent is required to make up course work missed, regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused. It is the student’s/parent’s responsibility to make a plan with the teacher (within one or two class meetings) following an absence. The student will have no less (plus two) than the number of days absent to complete and hand in work for credit. Specific arrangements must be made with the teacher.


SECTION 2.32. TARDIES: A tardy is the absence of any student at the start of class. Excused and unexcused tardies will be defined the same as excused and unexcused absences. Students cannot be suspended out of school for unexcused tardies.

A. For the purpose of a truancy petition for elementary students, 5 unexcused tardies and/or unexcused early dismissals will be recorded as one unexcused absence.

B. For secondary students, unexcused class tardies will be handled under Section 6.09.

SECTION 6.09. TARDY: Punctuality is necessary for the student to take full advantage of available educational opportunities. Tardies will not be carried over into the next semester. Students who are tardy are subject to the following:

Levels 1-4


PEDICULOSIS CAPITIS/HEAD LICE POLICY

I. Background Information

Head lice are parasites and dwell only on the human head. They are not known to be associated with any disease. They die in 1 to 2 days when removed from the head. Head lice eggs (nits) die soon after being removed from the warm scalp. Head lice are difficult to see, but the nits are visible as whitish gray oval shapes that adhere to hair shafts. The nits hatch in seven to ten days and the young lice emerge as miniature copies of the adult louse. They reach maturity in approximately two weeks. The adult louse has a 20 to 30 day life cycle during which the female may lay 275 to 300 nits.

Common symptoms: 1) Many children experience no symptoms. 2) Symptoms take several weeks to develop. 3) When symptoms occur, the most common are scratching of the head, nits and/or live lice.

Treatment varies. It may include use of olive oil (Attachment 5: “Five Step Battle Plan) or use of a pediculocide, as well as removal of all nits from the hair and thorough cleaning of the household and clothing. (See Attachment 3: Head Lice Transmittal/Ten Steps to Staying Ahead of Lice for more specific treatment recommendations). Continued scratching of the head after treatment has been completed is common. This does not indicate re-infestation.

Schools bring children into close contact on a daily basis. However, only 1 in 10 transmissions occur in school. Controlling the spread of head lice depends on prompt identification of all suspected cases, proper administrative procedures, effective treatment and consistent follow-up.

II. Administrative Procedures/Responsibilities

A. The Principal’s Role:

1. Send a letter to parents/guardians at the beginning of each school year to inform them about head lice and encourage them to check their child on a regular basis (Attachment 1: School Board Head Lice Parent Letter).

2. Designate two or more school personnel, preferably health contact/clinic aide, to inspect students for head lice or nits. Those designated must have received

instruction in head lice and nit detection and treatment procedures.

Revised 9-05


3. Ensure that school-wide head checks are performed at school, no more than three times a year (Refer to Section D: Head Lice Screenings).

4. Ensure that checks are performed on any student showing symptoms of head lice infestation.

5. Exclude from school any child found to have lice and/or nits (Refer to Section III: Disposition of Students Suspected of Having Head Lice/Nits).

6. Re-admit the student to the classroom when designated school personnel have inspected the child’s head and determined that the student has no lice or nits.

7. When the “Head Lice Transmittal Form” (Attachment 3: Head Lice Transmittal/Ten Steps to Staying Ahead of Lice for more specific treatment recommendations) has been signed by the student’s health care provider, the student must be readmitted to the classroom without additional head checks by school personnel.

8. Count the absence of a student identified with lice or nits as an excused absence for the first five (5) days of infestation. Additional absenceswill be unexcused until the student is clear and able to return to class.

9. Ensure that each child has a place for his/her hat, coat and other belongings so they will not come in contact with the belongings of other children. This protective measure must be maintained whether or not lice are known to be present in school (Attachment 6: Universal Precautions of Head Lice).

10. Ensure proper cleaning of the school to minimize the risk of transmission of head lice (Refer to Section C: Preventing Transmission).

B. The School Nurse’s Role:

1. Instruct school personnel, designated by the principal, in the correct method of screening for and identifying the presence of head lice.

2. Provide instruction and communication with parents/guardians who request such assistance or are referred by school personnel.

3. Assist in health education activities for faculty and students regarding head lice prevention, transmission and treatment.

4. Act as a liaison with school personnel, students and parents/guardians.

5. Assist designated school personnel with students who have extended absenteeism due to head lice.


C. Preventing Transmission:

Principals and school personnel should encourage support for the following measures to prevent head lice transmission:

1. Nap time for students should be accomplished by “heads down” on individual desks or by lying on plastic individual mats. Mats should be stored in the child’s own cubbyhole. Individual mats should be sent home on a regular basis to be disinfected by the parent/guardian.

2. Assign individual lockers/cubbies to students, wall hooks 12 inches apart or allow students to hang coats on the back of their seats. These measures will insure that hats and coats are stored separately.

3. In physical education classes, transmission may be limited by assigning lockers/baskets to one student for each period. Several students may use the same locker during the day, but the risk of transmission will be narrowed to only a few students.

4. Avoid piling clothing on top of each other.

5. Avoid having pillows and stuffed animals/dolls in the classroom.

6. The school must vacuum all carpeted areas daily.

7. Students may sit on carpeted areas (with adequate spacing between each individual). Students should not be allowed to lie down and rest their heads on carpeted areas.

8. Upholstered furniture and bean bag chairs may contribute to the transmission of head lice. If these items are present in a school, they must be vacuumed or cleaned daily.

9. “School spraying” is discouraged, as this procedure does not prove effective and has been found to be environmentally unsafe.

10. Daily cleaning of all hard surfaces in buses or schools is required.

11. Headphones must be wiped with a damp cloth after each individual use.

D. Head Lice Screenings:

1. Parental permission allowing routine and periodic head checks is included on emergency cards and should be obtained during school registration.

2. School-wide head checks should be conducted only the first week of school after the summer, winter and spring holidays. All students in the school should be screened for head lice. It is recommended that school-wide screenings be done in the afternoon towards the end of the week.


3. Ideally, new enrollees should be checked during the first week of attendance.

4. Parents should be reminded periodically by letter or school newsletter to check their children (Attachment 1: School Board Head Lice Parent Letter).

E. Identification:

1. Determination of suspected head lice infestation is made by direct inspection of the hair and scalp for lice and nits (louse eggs). In general, most lice and nits are found at the back of the neck and behind the ears.

2. Establish an inspection log in the clinic to document information on each infested student (Attachment 2: Head Lice Inspection Log).

3. To examine the student:

a. Have the student sit on a chair or stool in a well-lit area so the back of the head is at a convenient height.

b. Tilt the student’s head forward slightly so the chin is close to the chest.

c. Part the hair behind the ears and on the back of the neck with wooden applicator sticks (available through the School Board Warehouse). Since pediculosis spreads easily, care should be taken to prevent transmission. The applicators should be discarded after each examination. If the examiner’s hands/fingers come into contact with the students’ hair/ scalp, the hands must be washed before contact with another individual. Gloves may be worn.

d. Inspect the hair and scalp areas carefully for nits and live lice, which indicate an active infestation. Usually lice and nits can be seen with the naked eye, but a magnifying glass (available through the School Board Warehouse) or flashlight may also be helpful.

1. If one person in a classroom has been found to have head lice, ALL students in that class must be checked. If a significant number of students appear to have head lice, a letter should be sent home with each child informing parents/guardians to check their child’s head (Attachment 4: Head Lice Parent Letter).

2. The classroom teacher may wish to have her/his head checked also.

III. Disposition of students suspected of having head lice/nits:

A. Any individual suspected of having head lice and/or nits must be checked by a person designated by the school principal, who has received instruction in head lice/nit detection and treatment procedures.


B. Student confidentiality must be protected at all times when dealing with head lice.

C. All students screened must be allowed to remain with their class.

D. When nits or head lice are found, the principal or designee will contact the child’s parent/guardian to explain the Head Lice Policy for Polk County Schools, and request that the child is picked up from school.

E. School personnel MUST NOT transport students home.

F. If the student’s parents/guardians cannot be reached to pick up the student, a head lice transmittal and information packet (Attachment 3: Head Lice Transmittal/Ten Steps to Staying Ahead of Lice) should be sent home at the end of the day.

G. When the parent/guardian arrives at school to pick up the child, answer their questions on head lice treatment as well as pointing out live lice or nits in their child’s hair.

1. Discuss instructions for treatment and removal of nits. Inform the parents/guardians that head lice/nits are considered a communicable condition and that any student with this condition must be excluded from school until treatment is completed and all nits are removed.

2. Give the parents/guardians a Head Lice Transmittal Form/“Ten Steps to Staying Ahead of Head Lice” (Attachment 3) and “Five Step Battle Plan” (Attachment 5).

H. The Parent’s/Guardian’s Role:

1. Check all family members for head lice on the same day. Treat only those infested.

2. Assume the responsibility for treating the child and removing all nits.

3. Make arrangements to obtain assignments from the child’s teacher so that classroom work may be done at home until the child is cleared to return to school.

4. Accompany the child to school for a re-check or have a Head Lice Transmittal Form signed by the family’s medical provider.

I. The student may be readmitted by one of the following methods:

1. The parent/guardian may take the child to the Polk County Public Health Department or their private medical provider for a head check. If the child’s head is free of nits/lice, the transmittal form must be completed and the parent or student can bring the transmittal form to school. A student with a transmittal form signed by his/her medical provider is to be admitted back to the classroom without further examination by anyone at the school.


2. The principal should designate a school health contact /health contact or nurse (if available) to recheck and readmit students. This service must be consistently provided for all students. A parent/guardian must accompany the student to school for the re-check. If the child is clear of nits/lice, the clinic aide/health contact may readmit the student. If just a few nits are still present, they must be removed and the child may return to class. If live lice or a large number of nits are seen, a parent/guardian should take the child home for further nit/lice removal. This process will continue until the student is free of nits/lice and readmitted to school.

IV. Student Absenteeism Due to Head Lice

A. If the student has not returned to school within three (3) school days, the school health clinic aide/health contact or nurse will contact the parents/guardians regarding the delay and discuss proper procedures for the eradication of head lice/nits and advise the parent to get missed school work for their child.

B. If you are unable to contact parents, the school administrator will be contacted.

C. If the student has not returned to school within five (5) school days, the social worker should be contacted by the school administrator. The social worker will visit the home to support previous instructions given and to encourage expedient treatment. Any absences in excess of five (5) school days will be counted as unexcused absences.

D. If the student continues to remain out of school, it may become necessary for the school nurse to make additional contact by phone, letter or home visit (done jointly with the social worker if necessary).

E. When a student has missed a minimum of five (5) days of school, and all of the above efforts have been made to return the student to school, the principal or designee should contact Health Services or the School Health Supervisor of the Polk County Health Department for further follow-up.


Florida StatutesChapter 1003.21 School Attendance(1)(a)1. All children who have attained the age of 6 years or who will have attained the age of 6 years by February 1 of any school year or who are older than 6 years of age but who have not attained the age of 16 years, except as otherwise provided, are required to attend school regularly during the entire school term.

2. Children who will have attained the age of 5 years on or before September 1 of the school year are eligible for admission to public kindergartens during that school year under rules adopted by the district school board.

(b) Any child who has attained the age of 6 years on or before September 1 of the school year and who has been enrolled in a public school or who has attained the age of 6 years on or before September 1 and has satisfactorily completed the requirements for kindergarten in a private school from which the district school board accepts transfer of academic credit, or who otherwise meets the criteria for admission or transfer in a manner similar to that applicable to other grades, shall progress according to the district's student progression plan. However, nothing in this section shall authorize the state or any school district to oversee or exercise control over the curricula or academic programs of private schools or home education programs.

(c) A student who attains the age of 16 years during the school year is not subject to compulsory school attendance beyond the date upon which he or she attains that age if the student files a formal declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment with the district school board. Public school students who have attained the age of 16 years and who have not graduated are subject to compulsory school attendance until the formal declaration of intent is filed with the district school board. The declaration must acknowledge that terminating school enrollment is likely to reduce the student's earning potential and must be signed by the student and the student's parent. The school district must notify the student's parent of receipt of the student's declaration of intent to terminate school enrollment. The student's guidance counselor or other school personnel must conduct an exit interview with the student to determine the reasons for the student's decision to terminate school enrollment and actions that could be taken to keep the student in school. The student must be informed of opportunities to continue his or her education in a different environment, including, but not limited to, adult education and GED test preparation. Additionally, the student must complete a survey in a format prescribed by the Department of Education to provide data on student reasons for terminating enrollment and actions taken by schools to keep students enrolled.

d) Students who become or have become married and students who are pregnant shall not be prohibited from attending school. These students and students who are parents shall receive the same educational instruction or its equivalent as other students, but may voluntarily be assigned to a class or program suited to their special needs. Consistent with s. 1003.54, pregnant or parenting teens may participate in a teenage parent program. Pregnant students may attend alternative education programs or adult education programs, provided that the curriculum allows the student to continue to work toward a high school diploma.

(e) Consistent with rules adopted by the State Board of Education, children with disabilities who have attained the age of 3 years shall be eligible for admission to public special education programs and for related services. Children with disabilities younger than 3 years of age who are deaf or hard of hearing; visually impaired; dual sensory impaired; orthopedically impaired; other health impaired; who have experienced traumatic brain injury; who have autism spectrum disorder; established conditions, or who exhibit developmental delays or intellectual disabilities may be eligible for special programs and may receive services in accordance with rules of the State Board of Education. Rules for the identification of established conditions for children birth through 2 years of age and developmental delays for children birth through 5 years of age must be adopted by the State Board of Education.

(f) Homeless children, as defined in s. 1003.01, must have access to a free public education and must be admitted to school in the school district in which they or their families live. School districts shall assist homeless children to meet the requirements of subsection (4) and s. 1003.22, as well as local requirements for documentation.

(2)(a) The State Board of Education may adopt rules under which students not meeting the entrance age may be transferred from another state if their parents have been legal residents of that state.

(b) Each district school board, in accordance with rules of the State Board of Education, shall adopt a policy that authorizes a parent to request and be granted permission for absence of a student from school for religious instruction or religious holidays.

http://www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/index.cfm?App_mode=Display_Statute&Search_String=&URL=Ch1003/Sec22.HTM




(3) The district school superintendent may authorize certificates of exemptions from school attendance requirements in certain situations. Students within the compulsory attendance age limits who hold valid certificates of exemption that have been issued by the superintendent shall be exempt from attending school. A certificate of exemption shall cease to be valid at the end of the school year in which it is issued.

(4) Before admitting a child to kindergarten, the principal shall require evidence that the child has attained the age at which he or she should be admitted in accordance with the provisions of subparagraph (1)(a)2. The district school superintendent may require evidence of the age of any child whom he or she believes to be within the limits of compulsory attendance as provided for by law. If the first prescribed evidence is not available, the next evidence obtainable in the order set forth below shall be accepted:

(a) A duly attested transcript of the child's birth record filed according to law with a public officer charged with the duty of recording births;

(b) A duly attested transcript of a certificate of baptism showing the date of birth and place of baptism of the child, accompanied by an affidavit sworn to by the parent;

(c) An insurance policy on the child's life that has been in force for at least 2 years;

(d) A bona fide contemporary religious record of the child's birth accompanied by an affidavit sworn to by the parent;

(e) A passport or certificate of arrival in the United States showing the age of the child;

(f) A transcript of record of age shown in the child's school record of at least 4 years prior to application, stating date of birth; or

(g) If none of these evidences can be produced, an affidavit of age sworn to by the parent, accompanied by a certificate of age signed by a public health officer or by a public school physician, or, if neither of these is available in the county, by a licensed practicing physician designated by the district school board, which certificate states that the health officer or physician has examined the child and believes that the age as stated in the affidavit is substantially correct. A homeless child, as defined in s. 1003.01, shall be given temporary exemption from this section for 30 school days.

Chapter 1003.23 Attendance Records and Reports

(1) The attendance of all public K-12 school students shall be checked each school day in the manner prescribed by rules of the State Board of Education and recorded in the teacher's register or by some approved system of recording attendance. Students may be counted in attendance only if they are actually present at school or are away from school on a school day and are engaged in an educational activity which constitutes a part of the school-approved instructional program for the student.

(2) All officials, teachers, and other employees in public, parochial, religious, denominational, and private K-12 schools, including private tutors, shall keep all records and shall prepare and submit promptly all reports that may be required by law and by rules of the State Board of Education and district school boards. Such records shall include a register of enrollment and attendance and all persons described above shall make these reports there from as may be required by the State Board of Education. The enrollment register shall show the absence or attendance of each student enrolled for each school day of the year in a manner prescribed by the State Board of Education. The register shall be open for the inspection by the designated school representative or the district school superintendent of the district in which the school is located. Violation of the provisions of this section shall be a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided by law. This section shall not apply to home education programs provided in s. 1002.41.




1003.26 Enforcement of School Attendance

The Legislature finds that poor academic performance is associated with nonattendance and that school districts must take an active role in promoting and enforcing attendance as a means of improving student performance. It is the policy of the state that each district school superintendent be responsible for enforcing school attendance of all students subject to the compulsory school age in the school district and supporting enforcement of school attendance by local law enforcement agencies. The responsibility includes recommending policies and procedures to the district school board that require public schools to respond in a timely manner to every unexcused absence, and every absence for which the reason is unknown, of students enrolled in the schools. District school board policies shall require the parent of a student to justify each absence of the student, and that justification will be evaluated based on adopted district school board policies that define excused and unexcused absences. The policies must provide that public schools track excused and unexcused absences and contact the home in the case of an unexcused absence from school, or an absence from school for which the reason is unknown, to prevent the development of patterns of nonattendance. The Legislature finds that early intervention in school attendance is the most effective way of producing good attendance habits that will lead to improved student learning and achievement. Each public school shall implement the following steps to promote and enforce regular school attendance:

(1) Contact, Refer, and Enforce

(a) Upon each unexcused absence, or absence for which the reason is unknown, the school principal or his or her designee shall contact the student's parent to determine the reason for the absence. If the absence is an excused absence, as defined by district school board policy, the school shall provide opportunities for the student to make up assigned work and not receive an academic penalty unless the work is not made up within a reasonable time.

(b) If a student has had at least five unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a calendar month or 10 unexcused absences, or absences for which the reasons are unknown, within a 90-calendar-day period, the student's primary teacher shall report to the school principal or his or her designee that the student may be exhibiting a pattern of nonattendance. The principal shall, unless there is clear evidence that the absences are not a pattern of nonattendance, refer the case to the school's child study team to determine if early patterns of truancy are developing. If the child study team finds that a pattern of nonattendance is developing, whether the absences are excused or not, a meeting with the parent must be scheduled to identify potential remedies, and the principal shall notify the district school superintendent and the school district contact for home education programs that the referred student is exhibiting a pattern of nonattendance.

(c) If an initial meeting does not resolve the problem, the child study team shall implement the following:

1. Frequent attempts at communication between the teacher and the family

2. Evaluation for alternative education programs

3. Attendance contracts

The child study team may, but is not required to, implement other interventions, including referral to other agencies for family services or recommendation for filing a truancy petition pursuant to s. 984.151.

(d) The child study team shall be diligent in facilitating intervention services and shall report the case to the district school superintendent only when all reasonable efforts to resolve the nonattendance behavior are exhausted.

(e) If the parent refuses to participate in the remedial strategies because he or she believes that those strategies are unnecessary or inappropriate, the parent may appeal to the district school board. The district school board may provide a hearing officer, and the hearing officer shall make a recommendation for final action to the district school board. If the district school board's final determination is that the strategies of the child study team are appropriate, and the parent still refuses to participate or cooperate, the district school superintendent may seek criminal prosecution for noncompliance with compulsory school attendance.



(f)1. If the parent of a child who has been identified as exhibiting a pattern of nonattendance enrolls the child in a home education program pursuant to chapter 1002, the district school superintendent shall provide the parent a copy of s. 1002.41 and the accountability requirements of this paragraph. The district school superintendent shall also refer the parent to a home education review committee composed of the district contact for home education programs and at least two home educators selected by the parent from a district list of all home educators who have conducted a home education program for at least 3 years and who have indicated a willingness to serve on the committee. The home education review committee shall review the portfolio of the student, as defined by s. 1002.41, every 30 days during the district's regular school terms until the committee is satisfied that the home education program is in compliance with s. 1002.41(1)(b). The first portfolio review must occur within the first 30 calendar days of the establishment of the program. The provisions of subparagraph 2. do not apply once the committee determines the home education program is in compliance with s. 1002.41(1)(b).

2. If the parent fails to provide a portfolio to the committee, the committee shall notify the district school superintendent. The district school superintendent shall then terminate the home education program and require the parent to enroll the child in an attendance option that meets the definition of "regular school attendance" under s. 1003.01(13)(a), (b), (c), or (e), within 3 days. Upon termination of a home education program pursuant to this subparagraph, the parent shall not be eligible to reenroll the child in a home education program for 180 calendar days. Failure of a parent to enroll the child in an attendance option as required by this subparagraph after termination of the home education program pursuant to this subparagraph shall constitute noncompliance with the compulsory attendance requirements of s. 1003.21 and may result in criminal prosecution under s. 1003.27(2). Nothing contained herein shall restrict the ability of the district school superintendent, or the ability of his or her designee, to review the portfolio pursuant to s. 1002.41(1)(b).

(g) If a student subject to compulsory school attendance will not comply with attempts to enforce school attendance, the parent or the district school superintendent or his or her designee shall refer the case to the case staffing committee pursuant to s. 984.12, and the district school superintendent or his or her designee may file a truancy petition pursuant to the procedures in s. 984.151.

(2) Give Written Notice (a) Under the direction of the district school superintendent, a designated school representative shall give written notice that requires enrollment or attendance within 3 days after the date of notice, in person or by return-receipt mail, to the parent when no valid reason is found for a student's nonenrollment in school. If the notice and requirement are ignored, the designated school representative shall report the case to the district school superintendent, and may refer the case to the case staffing committee, established pursuant to s. 984.12. The district school superintendent shall take such steps as are necessary to bring criminal prosecution against the parent.

(b) Subsequent to the activities required under subsection (1), the district school superintendent or his or her designee shall give written notice in person or by return-receipt mail to the parent that criminal prosecution is being sought for nonattendance. The district school superintendent may file a truancy petition, as defined in s. 984.03, following the procedures outlined in s. 984.151.

(3) Return Student to Parent: A designated school representative may visit the home or place of residence of a student and any other place in which he or she is likely to find any student who is required to attend school when the student is not enrolled or is absent from school during school hours without an excuse, and, when the student is found, shall return the student to his or her parent or to the principal or teacher in charge of the school, or to the private tutor from whom absent, or to the juvenile assessment center or other location established by the district school board to receive students who are absent from school. Upon receipt of the student, the parent shall be immediately notified.

(4) Report to Appropriate Authority: A designated school representative shall report to the appropriate authority designated by law to receive such notices, all violations of the Child Labor Law that may come to his or her knowledge.















(5) Right to Inspect: A designated school representative shall have the right of access to, and inspection of, establishments where minors may be employed or detained only for the purpose of ascertaining whether students of compulsory school age are actually employed there and are actually working there regularly. The designated school representative shall, if he or she finds unsatisfactory working conditions or violations of the Child Labor Law, report his or her findings to the appropriate authority.


Chapter 1003.27 Court Procedure and Penalties: The court procedure and penalties for the enforcement of the provisions of this part, relating to compulsory school attendance, shall be as follows:

(1) Court Jurisdiction: The circuit court has original and exclusive jurisdiction of all proceedings against, or prosecutions of, students under the provisions of this part. Proceedings against, or prosecutions of, parents or employers as provided by this section shall be in the court of each county having jurisdiction of misdemeanors wherein trial by jury is afforded the defendant.

(2) Nonenrollment and Nonattendance Cases

(a) In each case of nonenrollment or of nonattendance upon the part of a student who is required to attend some school, when no valid reason for such nonenrollment or nonattendance is found, the district school superintendent shall institute a criminal prosecution against the student's parent.

(b) Each public school principal or the principal's designee shall notify the district school board of each minor student under its jurisdiction who accumulates 15 unexcused absences in a period of 90 calendar days. Each designee of the governing body of each private school, and each parent whose child is enrolled in a home education program, may provide the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles with the legal name, sex, date of birth, and social security number of each minor student under his or her jurisdiction who fails to satisfy relevant attendance requirements and who fails to otherwise satisfy the requirements of s. 322.091. The district school superintendent must provide the Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles the legal name, sex, date of birth, and social security number of each minor student who has been reported under this paragraph and who fails to otherwise satisfy the requirements of s. 322.091. The Department of Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles may not issue a driver's license or learner's driver's license to, and shall suspend any previously issued driver's license or learner's driver's license of, any such minor student, pursuant to the provisions of s. 322.091.

3) Habitual Truancy Cases: The district school superintendent is authorized to file a truancy petition, as defined in s. 984.03, following the procedures outlined in s. 984.151. If the district school superintendent chooses not to file a truancy petition, procedures for filing a child-in-need-of-services petition shall be commenced pursuant to this subsection and chapter 984. In accordance with procedures established by the district school board, the designated school representative shall refer a student who is habitually truant and the student's family to the children-in-need-of-services and families-in-need-of-services provider or the case staffing committee, established pursuant to s. 984.12, as determined by the cooperative agreement required in this section. The case staffing committee may request the Department of Juvenile Justice or its designee to file a child-in-need-of-services petition based upon the report and efforts of the district school board or other community agency or may seek to resolve the truant behavior through the school or community-based organizations or agencies. Prior to and subsequent to the filing of a child-in-need-of-services petition due to habitual truancy, the appropriate governmental agencies must allow a reasonable time to complete actions required by this section and s. 1003.26 to remedy the conditions leading to the truant behavior. Prior to the filing of a petition, the district school board must have complied with the requirements of s. 1003.26, and those efforts must have been unsuccessful.

(4) Cooperative Agreements: The circuit manager of the Department of Juvenile Justice or the circuit manager's designee, the district administrator of the Department of Children and Family Services or the district administrator's designee, and the district school superintendent or the superintendent's designee must develop a cooperative interagency agreement that:

(a) Clearly defines each department's role, responsibility, and function in working with habitual truants and their families.

(b) Identifies and implements measures to resolve and reduce truant behavior.

(c) Addresses issues of streamlining service delivery, the appropriateness of legal intervention, case management, the role and responsibility of the case staffing committee, student and parental intervention and involvement, and community action plans.










(d) Delineates timeframes for implementation and identifies a mechanism for reporting results by the circuit juvenile justice manager or the circuit manager's designee and the district school superintendent or the superintendent's designee to the Department of Juvenile Justice and the Department of Education and other governmental entities as needed.

(e) Designates which agency is responsible for each of the intervention steps in this section, to yield more effective and efficient intervention services.

(5) Attendance Register as Evidence: The register of attendance of students at a public, parochial, religious, denominational, or private school, or of students taught by a private tutor, kept in compliance with rules of the State Board of Education is prima facie evidence of the facts which it is required to show. A certified copy of any rule and a statement of the date of its adoption by the State Board of Education is admissible as prima facie evidence of the provisions of the rule and of the date of its adoption.

(6) Proceedings and Prosecutions; Who May Begin: Proceedings or prosecutions under this chapter may be commenced by the district school superintendent, by a designated school representative, by the probation officer of the county, by the executive officer of any court of competent jurisdiction, by an officer of any court of competent jurisdiction, or by a duly authorized agent of the Department of Education or the Department of Juvenile Justice. If a proceeding has been commenced against both a parent and a child pursuant to this chapter, the presiding courts shall make every effort to coordinate sanctions against the child and parent, including ordering the child and parent to perform community service hours or attend counseling together.

(7) Penalties: The penalties for refusing or failing to comply with this chapter shall be as follows:

(a) The parent

1. A parent who refuses or fails to have a minor student who is under his or her control attend school regularly, or who refuses or fails to comply with the requirements in subsection (3), commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

2. The continued or habitual absence of a minor student without the consent of the principal or teacher in charge of the school he or she attends or should attend, or of the tutor who instructs or should instruct him or her, is prima facie evidence of a violation of this chapter; however, a showing that the parent has made a bona fide and diligent effort to control and keep the student in school shall be an affirmative defense to any criminal or other liability under this subsection and the court shall refer the parent and child for counseling, guidance, or other needed services.

3. In addition to any other punishment, the court shall order a parent who has violated this section to send the minor student to school, and may also order the parent to participate in an approved parent training class, attend school with the student unless this would cause undue hardship, perform community service hours at the school, or participate in counseling or other services, as appropriate. If a parent is ordered to attend school with a student, the school shall provide for programming to educate the parent and student on the importance of school attendance. It shall be unlawful to terminate any employee solely because he or she is attending school with his or her child pursuant to a court order.

(b) The principal or teacher.--A principal or teacher in any public, parochial, religious, denominational, or private school, or a private tutor who willfully violates any provision of this chapter may, upon satisfactory proof of such violation, have his or her certificate revoked by the Department of Education.

(c) The Employer

1. An employer who fails to notify the district school superintendent when he or she ceases to employ a student commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

2. An employer who terminates any employee solely because he or she is attending school with a student pursuant to court order commits a misdemeanor of the second degree, punishable as provided in s. 775.082 or s. 775.083.

(d) The Student








1. In addition to any other authorized sanctions, the court shall order a student found to be a habitual truant to make up all school work missed and may order the student to pay a civil penalty of up to $2, based on the student's ability to pay, for each day of school missed, perform up to 25 community service hours at the school, or participate in counseling or other services, as appropriate.

2. Upon a second or subsequent finding that a student is a habitual truant, the court, in addition to any other authorized sanctions, shall order the student to make up all school work missed and may order the student to pay a civil penalty of up to $5, based on the student's ability to pay, for each day of school missed, perform up to 50 community service hours at the school, or participate in counseling or other services, as appropriate.


School Social Worker Assignments 08/09Senior Manager – Social Work Services

534-0024David Aranda

SW Middle413-3301/57962 Office

Jackie BryanMcLaughlin Middle

Margie Cardona-OpioLake Hamilton Center298-5619/51847 Office

TBA Ishmus HillLake Hamilton Center

298-5599/51811

Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary ElementaryJesse Keen Ben Hill Griffin Dundee Lake AlfredOscar J. Pope Frostproof Polk City BethuneSouthwest Spook Hill Laurel Oaks

Karen SiegelMiddle Middle Middle Middle Middle

Southwest Frostproof Lake Alfred Addair BooneMcLaughlin Dundee Ridge

Senior Senior Senior Senior SeniorGeorge Jenkins Frostproof Haines City

Charter Charter Charter Charter CharterLakeland Mont. School Babson ParkLife Skills Center Hillcrest

Polk AvenueAdditional Assignments Additional Assignments Additional Assignments Additional Assignments Additional Assignments

Bilingual Spanish Bilingual SpanishDiane Joiner

Gause Academy519-8886/58564 Office

519-3716 FAX

Gail KimseyHighlands Grover Elementary

981-0207 Pager

Rose Marie LaurelN. Ctrl. Support Services

291-5315 SB / 291-5313 VM291-5113 FAX

Joel LiebermanSleepy Hill Elementary

815-6788 Office

Debbie LoCiceroEagle Lake Elementary298-5463/58558 Office

291-5360 FAX

Elementary Elementary Spanish Bilingual Referrals Elementary ElementaryFloral Avenue Combee / Valleyview Kathleen Brigham AcademyGibbons Crystal Lake North Lakeland Eagle LakeLewis Anna Woodbury Highlands Grove Sleepy Hill InwoodSikes / R. Bruce Wagner Cleveland Court Socrum Jewett SOTA

Middle Middle Middle MiddleFort Meade Crystal Lake Kathleen DenisonGause Academy Grade 6-12 Jewett Academy

Senior Senior Senior SeniorFort Meade Tenoroc Kathleen Winter HavenGause Academy Grade 6-12 LHS / Harrison SOTA

Charter Charter Charter CharterS. McKeel Elem. Academies Foundation Charter COL Collegiate

School Social Worker Assignments 08/09


Senior Manager – Social Work Services534-0024

Cheryl MarinoLake Hamilton Center

298-5609/51819

Sandra MarraLake Hamilton Center

TBA Francine MiltonPadgett Elementary

815-6681/55146 Office853-6092 FAX

Nancy NunnBush House

413-3300/57961 Office

Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary ElementaryAuburndale Central Lake Marion Creek Churchwell Blake AcademyBoswell Horizons Dr. NE Roberts DixielandCaldwell Palmetto Padgett Griffin / MedullaLena Vista Wendell Watson Philip O’Brien / Scott Lk.

Winston LincolnRochelle SOTA

Middle Middle Middle Middle MiddleStambaugh Lake Gibson Lawton Chiles

Rochelle SOTASleepy Hill

Senior Senior Senior Senior SeniorAuburndale Ridge Community Lake Gibson Doris A. Sanders / Mulberry

Charter Charter Charter Charter CharterBerkley Accelerated Achievement Acad. LakelandBerkley Elementary A.C.E.

Central Fl. Sp/HearingAdditional Assignments Additional Assignments Additional Assignments Additional Assignments Additional Assignments

Bilingual SpanishBarbara Pido

N. Ctrl. Support Services291-5315 SB / 291-5313 VM

291-5113 FAX / 981-0185 Pager

Lupe Ramos-LesterRoosevelt Academy

679-4438/57444981-0128 Pager

Heather RimesScott Lake Elementary499-2821/66204 Office701-1076 School FAX

Jennifer RojasBartow Airbase Rm. 129

Debbie WileyLake Hamilton Center298-5569/51810 Office

Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary ElementaryGarden Grove Chain of Lakes Temporary Leave Alturas Alta VistaLake Shipp Elbert Bartow Elem. Academy EastsidePinewood Garner Stephens SandhillSnively SOC Wahneta Kingsford Loughman Oaks

Barbara PidoN. Ctrl. Support Services

291-5315 SB / 291-5313 VM291-5113 FAX / 981-0185 Pager

Lupe Ramos-LesterRoosevelt Academy

679-4438/57444981-0128 Pager

Heather RimesScott Lake Elementary499-2821/66204 Office701-1076 School FAX

Jennifer RojasBartow Airbase Rm. 129

Debbie WileyLake Hamilton Center298-5569/51810 Office

Middle Middle Middle Middle Middle


Westwood Roosevelt Temporary Leave Bartow / Mulberry Daniel JenkinsPolk Life & LearningUnion Academy

Senior Senior Senior Senior SeniorLake Region Roosevelt Bartow Davenport SOTA

Charter Charter Charter Charter CharterAchievement Academy WH J.H. Wilson Achievement AcademyPCC Collegiate HS Lake Wales Compass

Our Childrens AcademyAdditional Assignments Additional Assignments Additional Assignments Additional Assignments Additional Assignments

Multidisciplinary Team Bilingual Spanish Bilingual Spanish PEC Ishmus Hill

attendance handbook for school personnel - polk€¦ · web viewattendance handbook for school...

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