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RACINE- A mother has been charged with keeping her kids out of school for weeks.

The Racine Unified School District reported Carmen Sanchez to authorities -- claiming her two children missed a combined 54 days of school last school year.  She now faces big fines and possible jail time, but that mother insists the school has got it wrong.

"They do well in school. They do awesome. I am so proud of them," said Sanchez.

Carmen Sanchez's children excel in school -- she has the report cards and awards to prove it.
 
"My children have straight A's," described Sanchez.
 
But the Racine Unified School District claims Sanchez's two children missed enough time to land Carmen in handcuffs -- charged with failing to have her kids in class.

Sanchez insists school officials have their math off.  And, she claims the district never contacted her about the absences.

"Yea I understand kids are sick sometimes and sometimes I may forget to call them in, but there is no way my kids have 54 unexcused absences," claimed Sanchez.
 
According to court documents, the school district tried multiple times to meet with Carmen Sanchez to talk about how they could help the girls.

The district declined to answer any questions about the case but sent TODAY'S TMJ4 this statement:

"It is our priority to make sure that students are in school each day.  We work with the families to ensure this happens so students have the best opportunity to succeed."
 
Carmen Sanchez admits the charges don't sound good, but she's adamant they paint an inaccurate picture of the kind of mother she really is -- one that keeps file folders of her children's successes.
 
"My kids always come first. Always. Before anything else, my kids are my number one," said Sanchez.