Duane Tomlin, School Social Worker with Candler County School System, was the guest speaker at Monday's meeting of the Metter Kiwanis Club.  Mr. Tomlin talked about the role of the school social worker in improving school attendance.  Attendance is the second indicator for grades 1-8 for meeting Adequate Yearly Progress in No Child Left Behind.  All schools showed improvement in attendance from this past school year to the previous year.  School attendance has a positive impact on achievement and improving the high school graduation rate.  Mr. Tomlin works closely with community agencies and the Juvenile Court to address attendance issues.  Most attendance issues can be handled at the school level.  However, chronic attendance issues are referred to Judge Tom Rawlings with the Candler County Juvenile Court.  Georgia law allows referrals to other community agencies to deal with family issues.  When all else fails, the family can be fined up to $100 for each absence and/or up to 30 days in jail.  Students age 14 or older who miss 10 or more days of unexcused absences in a semester will be referred to the Department of Motor Vehicle Safety for revocation of drivers license or denial of a driving permit.  Mr. Tomlin emphasized that it is the expectation of the Candler County Board of Education that no child miss more than 7 days of excused or unexcused absences in a semester.  He also displayed a formula for school attendance which states that students who attend school and adjust to the school environment will achieve academically and socially.  Candler County School System strives to provide a quality education for all students.  A very important ingredient to that success is regular school attendance.  Mr. Tomlin is shown with Kiwanian, Marcille Bird (left).