New attendance policies start in Washington

WASHINGTON — The Washington school district tweaked its attendance policies over the summer. With the school year kicking off Tuesday, they’ve now officially taken effect.

The biggest change effects extracurricular attendance. The new policy states that students must attend school from 12 p.m. onward to participate in after-school activities, unless the absence is approved in advance.

“We’ve had a lot of students in the past go home sick, and then show up later for an event,” Superintendent Willie Stone said. “If students go home sick from school and have a fever, they are not supposed to be back within 24 hours, so this is more of a student protection thing.”

The school board has also adjusted its truancy policy. Previously, disciplinary action for unexcused absences was at the principal’s discretion. Under the new rules, the process is more structured, based on how many days a student misses.

After 5 unexcused absences or 12 total days missed in a quarter, the school will make an Individual Attendance Plan or IAP. If the IAP fails or the student reaches a total of 20 unexcused absences, the district may set up mediation with the County Attorney’s Office.

“The biggest thing is, if you’re kids going to be gone, parents need to get in touch with the school and let them know that they’re gone and why they’re gone,” Stone said. “We are also creating the IAP … when that plan’s created, the parent, student and school district will all sit down together and go through the process.”

Comments: Kalen.McCain@southeastiowaunion.com