Attendance Policy

Being in school every day means your child won’t miss out on learning.  Research has proven that there is a strong connection between school attendance and academic performance and success.

 

Why is it so important to attend every day?

Each day’s lessons build upon the lessons from the previous day.  Students miss the opportunity to have class discussions, teacher explanations, and supervised practice.  Discussions, demonstrations, experiments and participation are part of the daily learning activities and cannot be made up if a student is absent.

 

What can parents do to help?

Parents can model the value of education and the importance of regular attendance.  Make sure your child arrives on time - you’ll help establish a good habit that will carry through life.  Try to schedule appointments and family trips outside of school hours.  If a student is ill or must miss school for some other reason, contact the school and teacher immediately.

 

Who else benefits from good school attendance?

Everyone benefits!  Less classroom time is spent reteaching and reviewing for students who were absent.  Teachers won’t need to make up tests or activities. The office staff spends less time calling to verify reasons for absences.  Schools with low absence rates receive more school funding.

 

Remember, regular attendance is necessary for success in school.  Help ensure your child has the best opportunity for success by making sure school is a priority.

 

Does my student need to attend school?

In California, every child between the ages of 6 and 18, is required to attend school.  Every parent or guardian of a child ages 6-18 is legally mandated to ensure that his or her child attends school.

 

What's the difference between truancy and chronic absenteeism?

Truancy:  3 unexcused absences and/or tardies for more than a 30-minute period within the same school year (or any combination of the above)

Chronic Truancy: missing 10% or more of the school year for unexcused reasons

Chronic Absence:  missing 10% or more of the school year for any reason, excused or unexcused

 

What happens if my child is chronically truant or absent?

First, we send you a letter clarifying the attendance issues and we include a copy of your child's attendance record.  If the absenteeism continues the team (parent, principal, teacher, and other school support personnel) will need to meet discuss the issues and problem solve. Finally, when truancies (or unexcused absences) continue the case may be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).  Families will be required to appear before the SARB panel to discuss solutions to the problem.