Parent/Student Handbook - PA Leadership Charter School

4. Failure to submit a valid excuse within three days of returning to school will result in
the absence being classified as an unexcused missed day.
5. A violation of the attendance policy is considered a violation of the Student Behavior
Code. The student will then be subject to disciplinary action and/or loss of privileges.
Truancy
Attendance at PALCS is a student obligation and responsibility. A student who abuses the
attendance policy cannot be expected to do well in school.
Upon the first, second, and third unexcused missed days, the student and parent/guardian will
receive a phone call with the opportunity for the parent/guardian to reply with an excuse for
consideration.
Level 1: Upon the first unlawful absence, the student and parent/guardian will receive a
phone call and a letter notifying them of the first unlawful absence from PALCS. The
legal penalties established by law for violation of compulsory attendance requirements
will be attached to the notice.
Level 2: Upon the second unlawful absence, the student and parent/guardian will receive
a second notice of unlawful absence from PALCS via a phone call and a letter. Once
again, the legal penalties established by law for violation of compulsory attendance
requirements shall be included.
Level 3: Upon the third unlawful absence, parent/guardian will receive notice by
mail providing “official notice of child’s third illegal absence.” Attached to this notice
will be penalties for violation of compulsory attendance requirements as they pertain to
both the student and the parent/guardian. The information states that three days after
giving such notice, the student or parent/guardian who again violates the compulsory
attendance requirements shall be liable without further notice.
PALCS must report to the student’s school district of residence when a student has
accrued three or more days of unlawful absences.
Level 4: Upon the fourth subsequent unlawful absence, at any point within the school
year, an official notice of unlawful absence will be sent home. The purpose of this
correspondence is to inform the child’s parent/guardian that the child has again violated
the compulsory attendance requirements set forth by the Pennsylvania Department of
Education. PALCS will advise the parent/guardian that a citation can be sent to the
magisterial district judge by their school district. After this step, the school is not
obligated to inform parents in writing of absences; however, the school will continue to
call the parent/guardian to inform them of additional truant behavior. PALCS will refer
all future incidents of truancy directly to the school district of residence.
Continued Truancy: PALCS shall coordinate a school/family conference to discuss the
cause of the child’s truancy and develop a mutually agreed upon Truancy Elimination Plan
(TEP) to resolve truant behavior. Issues to be reviewed at the school/family conference
include the appropriateness of the child’s educational environment, current academic
PALCS Parent and Student Handbook 2012-2013
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