• Johnathan Allen, Knox County School Social Worker

    865-659-6512 johnathan.allen@knoxschools.org

     

    KNOX COUNTY SCHOOLS ATTENDANCE POLICY

    Written excuses must be submitted within five (5) days of the student’s return to school.

     

    A student may be absent, due to personal illness, no more than ten (10) days per school year with a written parent excuse(s). Beyond ten (10) days per school year, a medical statement will be required.

     

    Acceptable (excusable) conditions for students being absent from school include:

     
    Personal Illness
     
     
    Illness in the family temporarily requiring help from the child;
     
     
    Death in the family;
     
     
    Recognized religious holidays regularly observed by persons of the student’s faith; 
     
     
    Verifiable family emergency
     

    Any absence not complying with the above reasons for excused absences will be considered as unexcused.

     

    Students who attend less than three (3) hours and fifteen (15) minutes per school day shall be recorded and reported as absent.

     

    ATTENDANCE TIPS:

    Arrange dentist and doctor visits for after school hours or school holidays

    Teach your child to set their own alarm clock

    Turn off all electronics 30 minutes before bedtime

    Encourage your child to give their best effort in school

    Nightly, arrange supplies for the next day (homework, signed papers, clothes, backpack, etc)

    Decide on a regular bedtime and a regular time to wake up

     
     

    HOW CAN YOUR SOCIAL WORKER HELP? 

     * Implementation of behavior management techniques * Coordination of community agency referrals * Information and referral services * Resources for clothing, housing, and social/mental health * Crisis Intervention: Reduce tension of student/parent in crisis through assessment, provision of understanding and support, and offer alternatives for action * Home Visits: Assist parents in understanding school policies/procedures and creating environments conducive for learning * Assist in overcoming obstacles related to school attendance, achievement, and overall school functioning * Work with Knox County District Attorney General’s Parental Responsibility Truancy Initiative