Being Prosecuted for Truancy during Treatment

Hi Laurel, 

I don't have any sound advice to give you but I wanted to reach out an offer my emotional support. I don't understand why the school system isn't more supportive. My grandson is 10 and I help out taking him to and from school. Occationally I forget to pick him up (I feel terrible when that happens!) And they never give me a hard time.  My daughter in law is a single, working Mom (my son was her husband and he passed away) and she struggles trying to balance everything. 

You have been through a lot and it hurts to hear your son is being bullied at school.  Children can be so cruel.  Sending you a warm ((((((HUG)))))) and  love.  shannon aka Green Monkey 

Laurie, I am appalled to hear that the school district is doing this. 2 missed days and 8 tardies? Yes, it does sound like retaliation to me.

It won't help you to emphasize that, though. I am sure you're eligible for a Legal Aid attorney so I suggest you pursue that route.

Best of luck.

Leah

Oh Laurie, this just hurt my heart. Are they nuts? I don't even know what to say. I'm Canadian so I don't know about the US truancy laws either, but if it takes getting a note from a doctor, I'd do it, honest or not. Eight tardies doesn't sound like a lot to me with you being sick. It really sounds like someone's not aware of your situation. Have you spoken to the principal or the director of the school board to tell them of your situation? I feel so sorry for your child that was bullied. Doesn't sound like the school will be particularly helpful in that area. I can only tell you what I did when my son was bullied in the first grade. I paid a grade eight student to "talk" to the bully (if you catch my drift).

Gracie. I dont know if this applies but a lot of schools r really strict. They get paid by how many days kids r in school so they can be really strict about stuff because of money.



Regardless, I hope it gets worked out easily. I second calling the doctor again and getting him involved.

Have you been in contact with the school psychologist or social worker regarding this.  I know schools are strict about this but this is certainly taking it to an extreme.  Did you receive any correspondence/phone calls about the children's absences or tardiness before you received the court summons?  I would have to think that there is some procedure in place for notifying parents/guardians that be served with a court summons will occur if the children's attendance does not improve.  I would strongly endorse seeking out some legal advice on this matter.

Try to get a legal aid lawyer. 

If that doesn't work, contact the local media.  Most newspapers and TV stations have "troubleshooter" correspondents who will go to bat with you and for you. 

The local school district does not want to show up on the evening news for maliciously prosecuting someone battling cancer because their kids had a couple of missed or late days.

Ok. Not sure how to articulate this. My potential future bil is a really good lawyer who works in tax and medical law. Now he has said that to get insurance companies to cover things... Or for other problems sometimes all it take is the threat of going public. They hate bad publicity and te newspapers love it. I read a national article today about how a teacher threw out a kids turkey sammy and banana and made him get the school lunch of chicken nuugets because his wasnt a fully rounded lunch. They school is on full ass-kissing patrol (pardon). So sometime if nothing else works a threat of getting a lawyer and hitting up the today show,might work. Some lawyers might even do it probono if call around. Again, good luck and i hope itworks out amicably for u and thekiddos.

Laurie,

Unbelievable!  

I don't know why a note from somebody with a doctorate would be "dishonest."  My pediatrician would I'm sure write a letter if one from my own doctor wasn't good enough.  If your pediatrician doesn't know you well, offer to give your oncologist's contact information and sign a release so the pediatrician can speak to your oncologist.  Is your oncology clinic big enough to have a social worker?  That person might be able to help as well. 

This situation makes me really scared for you.  Do you have much help?   

As a retired teacher, I agree with the process Judyfams suggested.  As hard as this is, there are 3 sides to every story.  For a school to proceed with legal action means they have exhausted their avenues to ensure attendance.  This is not just about ADA but also about what is best for the children.

Laurie...you mentioned you have social workers for the children.  They need to be contacted and asked for support in this matter.  They may be able to find a source of transportation to aid you in getting the children to school.  Perhaps they can advocate for your family with the school.  Being a single mom is tough enough without adding the cancer card.  Stability and routine are essential for the entire family.  That may require asking others for help during this time...sometimes a hard thing to do.  We all want to be the strong ones for our kids.  Sometimes being strong means asking for help.

I am currently a public school teacher. I can only speak to laws in my state. ADA, average daily attendance, is the major source of funding for most districts in my state. The laws that define truancy are state laws not laws determined by individual districts or school sites. Judyfams and tedwilliams have given you excellent advice. On a more practical level, and only if you are comfortable, does your school community know about your situation? My school is very close knit and when parents have illnesses or other crises, the community has stepped up with giving rides to children, meals etc. I know because even though I'm a teacher, I had meals sent to me while I recovered from my bmx.

Best of luck with this and I hope it can be resolved without too much stress.

Caryn