“Education is a shared responsibility, requiring cooperation among the student, home, school, and community.”
That is one of Shepherd Middle School’s many beliefs and a truancy policy passed last week reflect those exact words.
The policy was adopted by Beal City, Mt. Pleasant, and Shepherd school districts to decrease the amount of “no-shows” in the classroom.
Children ages 6 through 16 are required by state law to attend school, but not all students and parents abide by these regulations.
Students caught skipping frequently will consequently hear from the Isabella County prosecuting attorney's office.
Shepherd Middle School’s principal, Phyllis Hall, is confident truancy is not an issue among its 340 pupils.
“We have very few problems with students skipping,” Hall said. “Most of the time it’s the parents not putting their children first.”
The countywide policy serves as a reminder that education should not be taken advantage of and there is a price to pay for habitual skipping.
The negative outcome for truancy issues is easy to avoid. Go to class.
“The policy is similar to the attendance procedure we have in place already, but it’s a good thing to have when you need it,” Hall said. “It will hold the parents accountable too.”
After multiple unexcused absences, the RESD gets involved and a letter is sent.
“I commend Prosecutor Larry Burdick and his office for becoming actively involved,” Hall said.
With the continuous encouragement of parents, teachers and the community, this policy might be the solution needed to end frequent absences among specific students.
The truancy policy was implemented in agreement with the Isabella County Trial Court's Family Division, the Gratiot/Isabella Regional Education Service District, public and private school officials, and prosecuting attorney's office.
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