Two three-year-old children were found unattended yesterday, one walking down Quacco Road, during SCCPSS' unannounced Truancy Opreation.

Throughout the year, Campus Police, along with fellow law enforcement and social service agencies, have conducted regular Truancy checks.  The evidence of this success is spelled out graphically in recent statistics clearly indicating dramatic reductions in truancy.

Yesterday’s truancy sweep was another example of success but it very possibly saved the life of at least one three-year-old child.

In one day alone, 158 homes were visited.  Two students were returned to school after they were found simply sitting at home.

While the truancy sweep was being conducted, Campus Police officers and a school social worker found a three-year-old boy walking aimlessly and unsupervised down Quacco Rd.  A search was immediately conducted to locate the family.  Law enforcement and social services are working with the family to ensure this incident is not repeated. 

In a case of a “good mistake,” school officials visited one home only find a three-year-old girl at home alone.  Police and DFACS were contacted to assure the child’s safety.  The mistaken address occurred because the student in question had moved to a new address and the family had failed to notify the school system.  The student in question was finally located and returned to school.  

Regular truancy sweeps will continue unabated as school officials work to keep children in school and learning at high levels. 

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