Absenteeism

[Guest guest]

Last week I got a letter from the school regarding my

son's number of days being absent from school. He's

missed 8 days and been tardy (because of allergy

shots) 2 times. I got this note about the " LAW " of

absenses from school and a nice little note from the

assistant principal regarding his " record " .

Now, more than likely, the reason for his being absent

was due to anxiety. The case manager even ended up

making up a behavior chart for my son because of the

amount of anxiety he has at school and will want to

come home or refuse to go to school. He will be 16 in

June, so forcing him to go to school when he's totally

in mental " lockdown " because he can't go because of

his anxiety....is not doable.

The note does say to call if there is a question or

" extenuating circumstances " regarding his being

absent. So, my question to you all is, should I call

the school and remind them he does have a behavior

plan in place due to his extreme anxiety and that he

does have OCD?

Back in 6th-grade, when his OCD really kicked in, we

were having to give him Xanax to get him to go to

school. (I could have probably have given him a

placebo and that would have worked), but it was a VERY

difficult time and he missed 15 days that year because

of is anxiety. I do not wish to start the Xanax again.

He doesn't need it. He's fine when he's home-even when

he's faking being sick to get out of going to school.

He is on Prozac and it seems to be working fine.

Just wanted your input as to whether I should say

something to the school, or let it go.

Thanks,

Melinda H