Cook County Attendance Protocol
Cook County Schools is committed to enforcing an attendance protocol that addresses and decreases the incidence of truancy in Cook County. This protocol reflects commitments that various local agencies, offices, and individuals have made to promote the educational progress of children and families in Cook County.
Parents will receive a copy of the School Attendance Protocol in its entirety during the first week of school. Attendance letters will be sent at five (5) unexcused absences. At ten (10) unexcused absences, the Student Support Team will review the case again and make a referral to the School Social Worker, if a referral has not already been made previously. Please refer to each school's handbook concerning excused absences.
The protocol was created by a local Student Attendance Protocol Committee, which included representatives of the following entities:
Cook County Superior Court
Cook County Juvenile Court
Cook County District Attorney's Office
Georgia Department of Juvenile Justice
Cook County Board of Education Representatives
Cook County Board of Education Attorney
Cook County Sheriff's Office
Cook County Department of Family and Children Services
Cook County Health Department
Cook County CCY (Family Connection)
Cook County Chamber of Commerce
Chief of Police from Adel, Lenox, and Sparks
The purpose of the committee is to make recommendations to the Cook County Board of Education regarding attendance policy and procedures, as well as to create guidelines for collaboration between local and state agencies having an interest or function related to educational achievement and school attendance in Cook County.
The Student Attendance Protocol Committee has agreed upon procedures, which are intended to allow the reduction of truancy at the individual, family, and community levels. It is understood, however, that these procedures are general guidelines, and extenuating circumstances may be considered, as allowable by law, for each student and family. In addition, it is understood that each state and local agency involved must first adhere to its own policies, which were considered in the development of this protocol.
Operational Authority
The Student Attendance Protocol Committee is operational under authority of the chief superior court judge as defined in O.C.G.A. 20-2-690.2. Following adoption of this written protocol and filing with the Georgia Department of Education (GADOE), the committee will meet quarterly during its first year and twice annually thereafter for the purpose of evaluating compliance and effectiveness, and to modify the protocol as appropriate.