IN Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall Fall 2017

Brentwood Borough School District In November of 2016, the Pennsylvania legislature passed Act 138, which is commonly referred to as the “Truancy Law”. The provisions of this law are set to take effect during the upcoming 2017-2018 school year. According to the law, the term “truant” is defined as “having three (3) or more school days of unexcused absences during a school year by a child subject to compulsory school attendance.” The law requires that parents or guardians are informed in writing after their child’s third unexcused absence. If the child continues to incur unexcused absences after the notice has been issued, the school district must offer a student attendance improvement conference. The goal of this conference is to examine the reasons for absences and develop a plan in an effort to improve attendance. A second part of the law deals with students who are considered “habitually truant”, which is defined as “having six (6) or more school days of unexcused absences during a school year by a child subject to compulsory school attendance.” Once a child has become “habitually truant”, the school district is required to follow a series of steps which may include: • • • Referring the child to a school-based or community- based attendance improvement Referring the child to the county children and youth agency for services or possible disposition as a dependent child under the Juvenile Act. Filing a citation against the student or parent in a magisterial district court. Consistent school attendance is essential in helping students to reach their greatest academic potential. Act 138 is designed to assist schools and families in working together to make sure that attendance is a top priority for all students. If you have any questions regarding this new legislation, please feel free to contact your child’s building principal. Student Information Release Opt-Out Federal Public Law 114-95, Section 8528 of the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA) requires school districts to release student names, addresses and telephone numbers to military recruiters upon request. The law also requires school districts to notify students and parents of their right to “opt-out” of having this information released to military recruiters. If you would like to exercise your right to “opt-out,” please submit this request in writing to your child’s building principal as soon as possible. 62 Brentwood-Baldwin-Whitehall

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