Attendance

We understand that sometimes children must miss school due to illness or other important reasons. When a student is absent, it is essential that the school is notified promptly so we can ensure student safety and properly document the absence.

When Your Child Is Absent:

1. Please notify the School Site Secretary by phone or written note and include:
   • The reason for the absence
   • The expected duration of the absence
2. Parents must account for each day of absence.
3. While phone calls are accepted, a written note is preferred. If a parent calls, the secretary must transcribe the message for official attendance records.

Three (3) or more consecutive days:

• Students must return with a doctor’s note.

Five (5) or more school days:

• Students should be placed on an Independent Study Contract to avoid loss of instructional time.  Please contact the school office or your child’s teacher in advance to arrange the contract.  Independent Study allows students to continue learning while away and helps maintain attendance funding and academic progress.

Under California Education Code, absences may be excused for:

• Illness
• Medical, dental, or therapy appointments
• Quarantine
• Funeral services for an immediate family member
• Court appearances
• Religious observances
• Other reasons permitted by law

Medical notes may be required for extended or frequent absences.

All accepted reasons can be found in Board Policy 5113.

Being on time matters. Students who arrive late:

• Miss morning instruction
• Disrupt the classroom
• Start the day feeling rushed
• Frequent early pick-ups also impact learning time.

Please plan appointments outside of school hours whenever possible.  A student will be classified as truant if they are tardy or absent for more than a 30-minute period during a school day without a valid excuse on three (3) occasions in one school year.