Summary of Washington’s Truancy Petition Process

Student is Absent:

The School determines if the absence is unexcused.

(RCW 28A.225.020(2)).

Student has one unexcused absence in one month:

The school shall inform the parent of the potential consequences of additional unexcused absences.

(RCW 28A.225.020(1)(a)).

Student has five unexcused absences in one month:

The school shall schedule a conference with the parents and the student and take additional steps described in the law.

(RCW 28A.225.030(1)(b)(c)).

Student has five unexcused absences in one month:

The school shall enter into an agreement with the student and the parents, or refer the student to a community truancy board that shall enter into the agreement or

may file a truancy petition with the juvenile court (RCW 28.A225.030(2)(a)(b)(c)). 

The parent may file a petition with the court if the school district fails to do so.

(RCW 28A.225.030(4)).

Student has seven unexcused absences in one month or ten in one year:

The school district shall file a truancy petition with the juvenile court.

(RCW 28A.225.030(1)).

The Juvenile Court

The court shall schedule a hearing, unless other actions can be taken

(RCW 28A.225.035(4)). If the truancy petition is granted, the court shall assume jurisdiction to intervene for a period of time determined by the court

(RCW 28A.225.035(7)). The court has several options at this stage.

(RCW 28A.225.090(1)).

If the child fails to comply with the court order:

The court may order the child to report to a county detention facility, or may

impose alternatives to detention such as community service.

(RCW 28A.225.035(4)).  The court may fine the parents or impose community service in lieu of a fine.

(RCW 28A.225.090(3)).

Attendance

Regular attendance is necessary for student success.  The following are valid excuses for absences and tardiness:

• Participation in school-approved activities;
• Absence due to illness or other health conditions, family emergency or religious purpose;
• Absence for parental-approved activities agreed to by the superintendent and parent/guardian;
• Absence resulting from disciplinary action or short-term suspension.

When possible, parents are expected to notify the school office on the morning of the absence and send a signed note of explanation with the student when he/she returns to school.

Schools must meet Adequate Yearly Progress in reducing unexcused absences each year, as mandated by the Federal No Child Left Behind Act.  Daily attendance and active participation in each class is a critical part of the learning process. 

Tardies

The staff of Oakville High School is proud to announce a renewed commitment to insuring that class time is used effectively and efficiently.  In that spirit, we have adopted a new set of procedures that will begin on the first day of school; we are calling these procedures “Operation START on Time!”  Beginning September 1^st, when the bell rings, teachers having classes will close their doors and begin teaching immediately.

1^st tardy                       Student writes a note that is sent home.

2^nd tardy           Student writes a note that is sent home;

Referral to “Student Services’ to develop an action plan; Plan is mailed home by student.

3^rd tardy           Student writes a note that is sent home;

                        In-school suspension during lunch for “Meaningful Work”.

4^th tardy           Student writes a note that is sent home;

                        Saturday school will be assigned.

5^th tardy           Student writes a note that is sent home;

Administrator decides consequence, to include a parent/guardian meeting.