5215 - MISSING CHILDREN

Each school should make a concerted effort to assist in identifying missing children using the following guidelines.

1. Student Absence:
   
   A parent must notify the school by 9 a.m. on the day a student is to be absent unless previous notification has been given in accordance with school procedure for reporting absences. If such notification is not received, the principal should notify, by telephone or in writing, the student's parents, guardian, or legal custodian of a child's absence. The parent is responsible for providing the school with currenthome and/or work telephone numbers and to notify the school of any change in the above information.
2. Voluntary Fingerprinting:
   
   Fingerprinting programs, conducted through law enforcement agencies, shall be encouraged to help with the identification of missing children.
    
   1. No student will be required to participate.
   2. All fingerprinting cards are to be given to the parents and not retained by the school, School District, law enforcement agency, or any other person other than the parents.
   3. Fingerprinting of students will be for the sole purpose of aiding in the identification and location of missing children.
3. Missing Child Investigations:
   
   School personnel are required by law to provide law enforcement officials access to a student's record when conducting a missing child investigation, providing they have the permission of the parent.
4. Pictures for Identification:
   
   District personnel, authorized to enter into contracts for the taking of student pictures, will request the photographer to provide, free of cost to the school, a photograph of each student for identification purposes.
5. Enrollment of New Students:
   
   A student seeking entry into a District school must comply with admission requirements specified in AG 5111.

© Neola 2003