PRINCE GEORGE'S COUNTY, Md. — Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy is making one thing clear— students need to be in school.
She, along with the Prince George’s County Public Schools, held another anti-truancy meeting at Crossland High School for guardians and parents.
Earlier this month, parents received a letter, letting them know if their child had missed 20% or more school days this year.
WUSA9 spoke to David Martinez, a senior at Crossland High School. Martinez said he misses around 10-15 days a month because he helps around the house.
“I help with my family when they need my help, with my sister. I’m there when she needs me so, I miss school sometimes.” Martinez said.
During the mandatory anti-truancy meeting, families learned about the importance of their children attending school, the consequences of repeatedly missing school, and the resources available.
Braveboy said 30% of students in the county are habitually truant and a large number of teens involved in carjackings have horrible attendance records.
“The goal isn’t to lock up the parents. It’s to find out why. What’s going on? Why is your kid not in school? Do you need help getting there? We need to communicate.” State's Attorney Braveboy said.
Braveboy said last week’s shooting during senior skip day in Greenbelt is an example of what happens when students aren’t in school.
“Them deciding to skip, inviting everyone they know on social media is a recipe for disaster and disaster is what we had last Friday,” Braveboy said.
Braveboy told WUSA9 she is hoping to see an increase in attendance after this meeting. Otherwise, families will be directed to her office for prosecution.
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