THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Sunday, September 10, 1995 TAG: 9509080027
SECTION: COMMENTARY PAGE: J4 EDITION: FINAL
TYPE: Letter
LENGTH: Short : 28 lines
``Parents protest Beach schools' absence policy'' (news, Sept. 3) was informative. As I sat in the auditorium during orientation and the principal mentioned the guidelines concerning the attendance policy, I became nervous. My 15-year-old daughter almost failed all of her classes last year because of an illness. The doctor ran several tests, prescribed several medications but came up with nothing.
My daughter exceeded the absences last year but, fortunately, I went through the necessary waiver process and it was approved. But I'm thinking, ``Oh, no, not again!''
There are times when I feel as a parent that she needs to stay at home so that I can monitor her until I can somehow ease her pain. I believe a parent's request for absence should be honored, especially if the parent keeps in contact with staff members and maintains good rapport.
C. MARLENE BURRIS
Virginia Beach, Sept. 5, 1995 by CNB