We would like to take this opportunity to provide important information about the coordinated truancy reduction initiative. The Truancy Program, TRACK* in Brooklyn, the Bronx and Staten Island Offices, the Police Department, the Department of Education and the Police Athletic League to address truancy issues and to keep students safe and in school during regular school hours.
The operation of the program consists of specially trained police offers who patrol the streets of New York City and identify students who are not in school during regular school hours. School age youngsters are not in school on a regular school day much have a legitimate reason for not being in attendance and must be prepared to show their identification. It is extremely important that all students carry identification, school program cards or schedules and other appropriate documentation related to the reason why they are not in school. Students with a legitimate and documented reason for not being in school will be permitted to continue on their way. All other students will be escorted by police to a Truancy Site in the borough where they are picked up. It is important that all students cooperate with police officers.
Upon arrival at a Truancy Center students are interviewed by an attendance teacher or social worker. The goal of this interview is to ascertain the reason for the student’s absence and to identify any problems that may be affecting their attendance in school. Parents will be notified when their children are brought to a Truancy Center and will be expected to come to the Center to meet with support stag and then to return their children to school. School and center staff will follow-up with any appropriate support services.
The Truancy Program is one component to a broad endeavor to keep children safe and to provide students with the necessary assistance that may require to attend school on a regular basis. This program, together with other support and instructional initiatives, has been developed to assist students in the achievement of maximum school performance. A student’s success in school is, to a great extent, dependent upon the support and involvement of his/her parents. We therefore encourage parents to support their children’s education by becoming actively involved in school activities and events.
We are looking forward to working together in making this a successful and meaningful year for your children, and thank you for your cooperation.
Sincerely,
VINCENT A. MANISCALCO
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School Policies
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