Troy 30-C recognizes two types of absences. Excused absences will be issued for illness, medical appointments, in the event of an unfortunate death in the family, a family emergency, observance of a religious holiday, and the need for the student to appear for a court appearance. Unexcused absences will be issued when a parent does not notify the school office, student illness beyond nine occurrences without medical documentation, family vacation, a court appearance without documentation, truancy, and tardiness due to oversleeping, transportation or family issues other than an emergency.  More information can be found in the 2011-12 Parent-Student Handbook.

Many school districts are scrambling to achieve a 1:1 learning environment for their students.  Even though I am what I hope is affectionately called a "geeky superintendent," I struggle with the solutions being sought.  At this time, I am hesitant to follow the path of some school districts that are purchasing thousands of iPads or laptops or netbooks for their students.  I hesitate not because the technology lacks an opportunity to engage students at a much higher level in their own learning.  I am hesitant to move forward with purchases as I think we are on the cusp of almost every student already having their own technology or at the very least, we are on the brink of more competition entering the market and I feel the price of 1:1 computing will be greatly reduced.  If the majority of our students already have the technology, why not "ride their technology" and let them bring it into the school?

The Troy School District is partnering with several Joliet area districts to create an aligned Pre-K through 12 education system.  The leadership group is referred to as LEAP and is working to establish common goals and common commitment.  While doing this, we are using our individual means and methods so that we maintain local control throughout the process.  Our partner districts include Elwood Elementary School District 203, Joliet Elementary School District 86, Joliet Township High School District 204, Laraway Elementary School District 70C, Rockdale Elementary School District 84, and Union Elementary School District 81.

I am writing to address the topic of student safety in hopes that you will have a conversation with your child after reviewing this information.  As all adults know, society's tolerance for certain types of behaviors has changed over time.  For example, it used to be just a bad joke or at least non-threatening if someone made a statement about a bomb being present in an airport.  It is clear that society's tolerance for that type of statement changed.  It also used to be a tolerated behavior when students brought pocket knives to school as the use of the pocket knife as a tool was much more accepted previous to this time.  Our awareness and sensitivity to issues of personal safety have been heightened and school personnel are advised from many sources to purposefully create a safe school environment.  Thus, there is a real safety concern when a student brings any type of instrument that has any type of blade or other part that could cause harm to another person.  We want to be pro-active on this issue.