TIP TIP Truancy Intervention Program Highland Park Middle School

TIP utilizes a three-step process to confront truancy. Step 1 – The student and his/her parent will be sent to a mandatory meeting on compulsory attendance law, at the meeting two major points will be emphasized. –Parents should send their children to school to improve the children’s quality of life. –Education is as essential as food, clothing and shelter Step 2- is the SART (Student Attendance Review Team) a SART hearing is a one on one meeting with the Ramsey County Attorney’s office, at this meeting a contract is drawn up between the county attorney and the student with the specific purpose of improving the student’s attendance and avoid court. Step 3 – if attendance doesn’t improve the County Attorney’s Office will prosecute the student, the parents or both.

Excused Absences Acceptable excuses include:  Sickness  Doctor’s visit including mental health  Religious holiday  Extreme family emergency  Always bring a note from home explaining the reason for your absence from school. Remember since you turned 12 the law holds you responsible for good school attendance. Its your job.

Unexcused Absences  Staying home to baby-sit  Work/rest because of work  Travel ( except when pre-approved by the principal )  Needed at home  Cold weather ( except where the cold weather rule applies )  Missed the bus  Child is not immunized

What can you do? Make sure that we have an accurate phone number for your parent or guardian. Make good school attendance a personal goal. Encourage your friends to be in school. Set a regular bedtime and a 10 minute a day organization time to ensure that you have had enough sleep to get up for school and leave on time. Designate a quiet place in your home to do your homework and make sure you do your homework everyday. If you fall behind in your coursework make sure you tell your parent or teacher they will help you prioritize your assignments to get back on track.

TIP Team Administration /Title I Coordinator Guidance Counselor Assistant Principal Attendance Liaison School Social Worker School Nurse Your student’s classroom teachers  Please contact any one of these individuals if you feel lost or overwhelmed in school.  We all belong, thanks for being here everyday on time.