Confidentiality

The office is a very busy environment. On any given day, parents are coming into the office, at times sharing with us personal information that needs to remain confidential. In order to protect the rights and privacy of all of our students and families, we are asking that when you come into the office to pick up your child, please speak with the secretary. The secretary will get your child for you. We are asking that you please wait for your child in the lobby of the school rather than in the office. We are appreciative of your help with this matter.

The Office Staff

The office staff is working diligently to make the office a warm and friendly environment. Please know that your concerns are important to us and that we will work very hard to meet your needs in a warm and friendly manner. Please know that the staff must adhere to district policy. At times, this may create some concern, however, policies are in place to protect your child and the other children in the building. While this may create some hardships for us as the adults, the school will always work to ensure that the safety of our students is at the forefront of all of our decisions.

This year, we will be  holding "Community Meetings" on the second Tuesday of every month at 6:00 in the school library. These meetings are to be much like a Town Meeting that communities hold. We will have an open forum for parents to come and discuss issues and new ideas. We will also look to recognize those things and those individuals that are working well. Please join us at these meetings and help us to grow and become "all that we can be."

IMPORTANT INFORMATION REGARDING ABSENCES 

Parents,

Recently, you may have received a notification from the school regarding your child's attendance. State law mandates that children attend school on a regular basis. The Chambersburg Area School District is working to follow the state mandates on attendance. The district policy on absences can be found on the Scotland web page. Above, on the left hand side, click on "Student Handbook." Click on Scotland Handbook 2011-2012. The attendance information is listed on pages 7 and 8. Below are excerpts from the handbook.

ATTENDANCE AND EXCUSES

Scotland will follow all policies and procedures established by the State of Pennsylvania and the CASD Board of Directors.  See attendance regulation below.

All students who arrive late or are leaving early must report to the school office before going to class or leaving the building.

State law requires a note for absences of any nature.  The note should be submitted the day your child returns to school.

Students who miss three unexcused days will have a notice sent to their parents stating the dates that have been missed. If additional unexcused absences occur, we must proceed under Section 338 of the School Code, which results in a citation.  Should your child miss 5 days of school (excused or unexcused), you will be notified in writing of our concern regarding the high number of absences for your child.  Children who are absent 7 days will receive additional notification by mail. Students absent 10 days will be placed on a doctor’s note. According to state law, parents of students who miss an excessive amount of days may receive a citation and have to appear in court.  A fine for truancy may result.

ATTENDANCE REGULATION  

This elementary building operating regulation addresses the monitoring of student attendance in grades K-5. Application of the regulation shall include each of the grades listed and shall be consistent. As with all regulations students shall be treated as individuals with each case being determined on its merits.

Regional principals shall prepare reasonably consistent regulations pertinent to record keeping and notification.

It shall be the responsibility of each principal in concert with his staff to develop a plan for encouraging exemplary attendance.  

Students must turn in an excuse within 3 days of the last day of the absence.

1. Reasons for unexcused/unlawful absence include but are not limited to: Truancy, personal business not pre-approved by the principal, oversleeping, absence from class without an excuse, baby sitting, avoidable appointments, tardiness, assisting at home, missing the bus, or did not have a ride.

2. After the first but no later than the third unexcused/unlawful absence parents shall receive a first notice.

3. The fourth unexcused/unlawful absence shall result in a second offense notice.

4. You have three school days to provide a note.  Failure to provide a note in this time frame will result in the absence being declared unexcused/unlawful.

PROCEDURES FOR NOTIFYING PARENTS AND THE RAMIFICATIONS FOR EXCESSIVE ABSENCES

Notification

Should your child miss 5 days of school (excused or unexcused), you will be notified in writing of our concern regarding the high number of absences for your child.  Children who are absent 7 days will receive additional notification by mail. Students absent 10 days will be placed on a doctor’s note. According to state law, parents of students who miss an excessive amount of days may receive a citation and have to appear in court.  A fine for truancy may result.