The Hamilton County school system is targeting truant students, tackling the problem through education with a pilot program in the North County area, officials said.
The district is piloting the Continued Attendance Reward Program at twelve schools in the Soddy Daisy Network, which stretches from Ganns Middle Valley in Hixson to McConnell Elementary on the East, Falling Water Elementary on the West and North to Sale Creek Middle/High School. This pilot is an expansion of a successful pilot program at Rivermont Elementary last year.
CARP is a pilot prevention program that involves parents, students, administrators, teachers, social workers and the community with a goal of reducing absenteeism at Hamilton County Schools. The program focuses on parent education regarding compulsory attendance laws in Tennessee along with the truancy court process, while also giving them parenting skills and tools to help their students succeed in school.
The program targets students with poor attendance habits. Parents with students who have six or more unexcused absences will be invited to attend CARP classes this year.
The classes will be held the last Monday of each month at Soddy Daisy High School from 5:30-7 p.m. in the Commons. Free child-care will be provided.
The schedule of CARP classes is as follows:
Jan. 28 – Focus on Attendance
Feb. 25 – The three P’s: Prompt, Punctual and Prepared
March 31 – Academics: Help at Home
April 28 – Parent Communication Strategies