Attendance
Every minute of a child’s time at school is important. Children who are absent for even one day, or who arrive later than their classmates, miss valuable instruction time and can easily fall behind in school. They also miss important socialization time and fun with their peers.
When a student is absent from school it results in a loss of funding for our schools. The State of California does not reimburse school districts for days students are absent.
Why Attendance Matters
Missing school affects students in multiple ways:
- Academic Impact: Missing as few as 10 days per year can slow academic growth in reading and math, potentially preventing students from meeting grade-level targets. Even advanced students may miss important enrichment opportunities.
- Financial Impact: When students are absent, our district loses state funding. The State of California does not reimburse school districts for days students are absent, which directly affects resources available for all students.
- Social-Emotional Development: Regular attendance helps students build relationships, develop social skills, and feel connected to their school community.
Reporting an Absence
When your child will be absent, please notify the school before the start of the school day. Contact your child's school office directly using one of these methods:
- Call the school attendance line
- Email the school office
- Send a written note when your child returns to school
Please provide:
- Student's full name
- Teacher's name
- Date(s) of absence
- Reason for absence
If we do not hear from you, the school will attempt to contact you using the phone numbers on file. Please ensure your contact information is current.
Upcoming Events
Excused Absences
Students may make up work missed during an excused absence. Excused absences do not lead to a loss of credit.
Valid reasons for excused absences include:
- Personal illness (including mental or behavioral health reasons)
- Medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic appointments
- Attendance at funeral services for a member of the immediate family
- Participation in religious instruction or exercises in accordance with district policy
- Family emergencies
- Court appearances
- Situations beyond the student's control that present a safety or health concern
Making Up Work
For excused absences, students will have one day to complete makeup work for each day absent. Please contact your child's teacher to arrange for assignments and tests.
Unexcused Absences
Students may not make up work missed during an unexcused absence, except for suspensions. Unexcused absences may lead to a loss of credit under school policies. Schools have established procedures for administrative review and appeal for credit loss due to excessive unexcused absences and/or tardies.
Unexcused absences include, but are not limited to:
- Oversleeping, car trouble, or missing a ride
- Cutting class or school
- Any absence not verified within one school day following the student's return
- Extended weekends or family vacations
- Personal or family events within the family's control
- Detainment in juvenile hall
Vacations During School Days
While we understand families have various commitments, vacations and trips during school days are considered unexcused absences. If you must schedule a vacation during the school year, please notify the school office in writing at least one week in advance. Teachers are not required to provide work in advance for vacation absences.
Tardiness
Arriving on time is crucial. Late arrivals disrupt instruction for all students and result in lost learning time.
If your child arrives late
- They must check in at the school office and receive a pass before going to class
- Repeated tardiness will be monitored and may require a parent conference
Monitoring Your Child's Attendance
Parents and guardians can monitor their child's attendance through the district's student information system. Contact your child's school office for information on accessing attendance records.
If you receive a letter or notification from the school regarding your child's attendance, please respond promptly. We want to partner with you to ensure your child's success.
Questions?
If you have questions about attendance policies, need clarification on whether an absence will be excused, or need support to help your child attend regularly, please contact your child's school office. We're here to help!
Attendance Liaison
Dir. Student Support Services
This site provides information using PDF, visit this link to download the Adobe Acrobat Reader DC software.