Absences
Introduction
Dear Parent/Guardian,
We are committed to being a dynamic learning community that prepares each and every student for success now and in the future. A critical component of that success is regular school attendance.
Principals and teachers are aware that circumstances occur that necessitate a student missing school. They want to work with you to help ensure that missed instructional time does not negatively impact your child’s academic progress.
If you know your child will be out of school for five days or more, the school can assist you in establishing an Independent Study contract that will provide assignments during your child’s time out of class.
When your child is going to be absent, please call the attendance office as soon as possible. If you have not contacted your school by the time your child returns to class, you have 48 hours to clear the absence. After 48 hours that absence will be permanently marked as truant.
Parents often ask what determines if an absence is excused or unexcused. On our district’s website is the Parent Handbook. On page 9 of that handbook, you will find listed absences that Education Code 48205 has determined to be an excused school absences. Also, available is Education Code 48260 which explains unexcused absences.
When students are absent, they miss important instruction. We, like you, want your child to have a successful school year. Please contact your school’s attendance office should you have a question regarding an absence.
Sincerely,
Jane D.
Student Services, Administrator
We are committed to being a dynamic learning community that prepares each and every student for success now and in the future. A critical component of that success is regular school attendance.
Principals and teachers are aware that circumstances occur that necessitate a student missing school. They want to work with you to help ensure that missed instructional time does not negatively impact your child’s academic progress.
If you know your child will be out of school for five days or more, the school can assist you in establishing an Independent Study contract that will provide assignments during your child’s time out of class.
When your child is going to be absent, please call the attendance office as soon as possible. If you have not contacted your school by the time your child returns to class, you have 48 hours to clear the absence. After 48 hours that absence will be permanently marked as truant.
Parents often ask what determines if an absence is excused or unexcused. On our district’s website is the Parent Handbook. On page 9 of that handbook, you will find listed absences that Education Code 48205 has determined to be an excused school absences. Also, available is Education Code 48260 which explains unexcused absences.
When students are absent, they miss important instruction. We, like you, want your child to have a successful school year. Please contact your school’s attendance office should you have a question regarding an absence.
Sincerely,
Jane D.
Student Services, Administrator
Reporting Absences
Parents of elementary school and middle school students are expected to notify the school office at least one-half hour prior to the beginning of school. Notification of a child’s absence is required for each day that the student is not in attendance.
At the high school level, parents should send a note with their student on the day of the student’s return. The note should include an explanation for the student’s absence.
At the high school level, parents should send a note with their student on the day of the student’s return. The note should include an explanation for the student’s absence.
Excused Absences
California Education Code section 48200 defines excused absences as:
1. Due to Illness
2. Attendance at a medical doctor’s appointment
3. Attendance at a funeral of an immediate family member
4. Quarantine by the county or city health officer
5. Jury duty
6. Justifiable personal reasons including (but not limited to):
a. religious holidays or celebrations
b. appearance in court
c. attendance at a funeral
d. illness of a child where the student is the child’s parent
e. attendance at an employment conference (requires previous
approval by the school principal)
f. working at an election precinct
All students absent from school under any of the above-stated reasons are entitled to complete all assignments and tests missed during the period of absence. Completion must be within a reasonable period of time and shall be given full credit.
Unexcused Absences
Unexcused absences are those absences that do not meet the above-listed criteria. An unexcused absence is an absence that occurs with the approval of the parent or guardian, without a prearranged agreement with a school administrator.