These are the same steps our staff use when they help someone. "They" means the person who needs help: you, or someone you are helping. Go in order, and call ahead when you can.
1Find out what is going on
You can ask"Can I see the letter? How many days has your child missed?"
You can ask"What makes it hard to get to school? Sickness, no ride, no stable home, bullying, worry, caring for family?"
You can say"These letters are meant to get your family help. If we act now, it usually stays at the school level."
2How New Mexico handles absences
Under the state Attendance for Success Act, all absences count, excused or not.
Missing 10% or more of school (about 2 days a month) is "chronically absent." The school must meet with the family and make a plan.
Missing 20% or more is "excessively absent." The school gives more help, and may send a referral to CYFD juvenile probation.
A referral comes after the school has tried to help. It is a chance to get services, not an arrest.
3Talk to the school right away
Call the school or district and ask for the attendance team or counselor.
Silver Consolidated Schools
School district central office
575-956-2000
2810 N Swan St, Silver City
Cobre Consolidated Schools
School district central office
575-537-4010
900 A Central Ave, Bayard
Bring
- The letter
- doctor's notes for sick days
- any notes about court dates or family emergencies
You can say"We want to fix this. What plan can we make together?"
You can ask"Can my child make up the work? Is there a tutor or a counselor who can help?"
Cobre Consolidated Schools
Family Engagement Center (parent support, Bayard)
575-537-4010
Next to Bayard Elementary (Parent Center), Bayard · Call the district office (Mon-Fri) for current hours and events
See the guide "A parent wants to talk with the school but doesn't know how".
4Fix what keeps them home
No steady home, or moved around: the child has a right to rides and to stay in their school.
Silver Consolidated Schools
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaison
575-956-2000
2810 N Swan St, Silver City · Mon-Fri business hours
Cobre Consolidated Schools
McKinney-Vento homeless student liaison
575-537-4010
900 Central Ave, Bayard · Mon-Fri business hours
See the guide "A student is homeless: right to stay in school, rides and meals".
Health problems or a disability: ask about a school health plan or extra help.
Hidalgo Medical Servicesnot yet confirmed: call first
Silver High School Clinic: school-based health center
575-534-1015
3200 N. Silver St., Silver City · Medical Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 12:15-4:00 pm; behavioral health Mon, Tue, Thu 12:00-4:00 pm
See the guide "A child has a disability and needs help at school".
Sad, scared, bullied or using drugs:
See the guide "A teenager is struggling: sad, bullied, hurting themselves, or in trouble".
At the Gospel MissionClothing bank and showers can help a child who stays home because they have no clean clothes.
5If juvenile probation or CYFD calls
Go to every meeting. Bring the plan from the school.
Pegasus Legal Services for Children
Legal help for children, youth, young parents and relative caregivers
505-244-1101
505 Marquette Ave NW, Suite 1350, Albuquerque · Mon-Thu business hours (closed Fridays); call or text
CYFD Juvenile Justice Services - Grant County juvenile probation
Juvenile probation and parole officer
575-538-2061
3082 32nd St Bypass, Suite A, Silver City
More help like this
Wants a GED or to learn to read, write or speak EnglishUse when an adult wants to finish high school (GED/HiSET), read or write better, learn English, or learn to use a computer.Can't read or understand a letter or formUse when someone got a letter, bill, notice or form they can't read or don't understand, because of reading, English, eyesight, or confusing words.Wants to go to college or trade schoolUse when an adult wants to start or go back to college, earn a certificate, learn a trade, or join an apprenticeship, and needs help applying or paying for it.A child has a disability and needs help at schoolUse when a parent thinks their child has a disability or learning problem, wants testing, an IEP or a 504 plan, or feels the school is not giving the help the child needs.Needs school records or a copy of a diplomaUse when someone needs a high school transcript, a copy of a diploma or GED/HiSET, or college records, for a job, training, college, the military or an ID.Wants to learn to use a computer or smartphoneUse when someone wants to learn basic computer or smartphone skills: turning it on, email, the internet, apps, online forms, video calls, or staying safe from scams.
See all guides in School and learning →
This guide is general information only, not medical, legal or other professional advice. Places and rules change, so please call before you go. In an emergency, call 911; in a mental health crisis, call or text 988. Disclaimer
Know a better way? Is something out of date?
If a number or place here is wrong, you know a better resource, or you know a better way to help, tell us. We automatically check reliable sources and update supported routine details. Unclear changes and safety guidance go to our staff for review.
Suggest a change
📞 We need volunteers to keep this guide up to date. You can help from home, an hour a week.
See how →
Questions, or want someone to walk through this with you? The Silver City Gospel Mission, 111 S. Texas St., Silver City,
575-388-5071, weekdays 9:00am-1:45pm. Everyone is welcome.