School Social Workers

School Social Workers work collaboratively with each school in our district to ensure that all of our students and their families’ needs are not only supported but met. Competencies and cultural diversity are embraced, practiced, and understood by each social worker in the department. Our social workers strive to make our families and students feel accepted, acknowledged, and appreciated in order to help each student reach their full potential.

Attendance Matters

Danville Public Schools takes attendance very seriously. Being present in school every day is essential for academic achievement and student success. When students miss school, they miss valuable lessons, which can impact their learning and lead to lower academic performance.

Chronic absences or patterns of missing school can cause students to fall behind in their studies. This not only affects their academic progress, but can also create challenges outside the classroom, affecting their overall development and well-being. Consistent attendance is crucial for students to stay on track and succeed.

Attendance Policy

DPS students are expected to be at school every day unless they have spoken with their school leader ahead of time and received permission or have had an excused absence. It is the duty of the parent/guardian to monitor student attendance and make sure the student is in school every day possible. Virginia Law requires parents to notify their child's designated school when the student is absent.
 
Danville City Public Schools requires that a student who has been absent bring a note from the guardian or parent to school within three days of the student’s return that states the reasoning for the absence. The note should contain the following:

• Dates of the absence(s)
• Date the note is written
• Student’s full name and grade level
• Reason for the absence (example: death, family emergency, illness, religion…etc.)
• Parent/guardian signature

A student is allowed seven parent notes for an academic school year.

The only excuses for absences that shall be deemed acceptable are:

• Court Attendance
• Death in the Family
• Extenuating Circumstances, which are determined by the principal
• Field Trip or School Trip (authorized)
• Illness
• Religious Holidays

Attendance - The First Step
A Parent's Guide: Student Attendance
Visual Chart: Chronic Absenteeism vs. Truancy

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Homeless Education

The federal McKinney-Vento Act ensures that children and youth who lack permanent housing, and live in inadequate or temporary settings, have the right to attend school. These students are considered homeless under McKinney-Vento and are entitled to special educational rights and protections.

Click here to visit our Homeless Education page.

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Learnfare

Danville Public Schools collaborates with Danville Social Services to monitor "Learnfare" cases. The Code of Virginia mandates that families receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) must ensure their children attend school regularly.

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Second Chance Transportation

Danville Public Schools appreciates the efforts of our bus drivers in ensuring the safe transportation of our students. Second Chance Transportation is available daily until 11:00 AM on a first-come, first-served basis. It provides an alternative transportation option for students who miss their regular bus pickup. 

Here’s how the program works:

• Each student will be allowed 10 rides.
• If your child misses the bus, call their school’s main office to request a ride.
• Second Chance Transportation is available until 11:00 a.m.
• Students will be transported to school only, not home from school.