Be In School . . . . Be On Time . . . . Every Minute Counts!
Help our students be their best. Absences negatively affect all students, even those working above grade level. Set your student up for success in school and career—send them to school every day!
Why is regular attendance important? Research shows that school attendance is a strong indicator of academic success. It’s about students learning what they need to know, connecting to the school community, and preparing for success this year and in future years.
Regular school attendance is required by California law, which requires the District to notify parents whose students are truant or chronically absent. The state, county, and district all monitor attendance, both excused and unexcused, because the goal is for students to be in school every day. There are only 180 days of school each year. If your student misses 9 days of school, she or he has missed 5% of the year!
Additionally, the District’s funding from the state, which comprises 82% of our revenue, is based upon student attendance. Each absence, regardless of the reason, costs the District $50 per day!
What’s an excused vs. an unexcused absence? Illness, doctor’s appointments, bereavement, and certain religious exercises are excused. All other reasons are unexcused.
Is vacation or travel excused? No. Family vacations and travel are not excused. If you know that you will be absent, please notify your school. Otherwise, we will call you to verify the absence.
My student is in school most of the time, so that’s ok, right? No. The number of days to be considered truant is lower than you may think. A student is considered truant by the state after only three unexcused absences. Chronic absence is missing 10% of the school year. An average of 2 days absent per month (for any reason) means a student is chronically absent.
California has begun an initiative to reduce the number of chronically absent students. The District is now required to track chronic absence and report it to the state.
When do parents get truancy/chronic absence letters? California law requires the District to notify parents after three unexcused absences and/or tardies greater than 30 minutes. We will send out parent letters regarding chronic absence when a student’s absences approach 10%.
Below are links to find more detailed information regarding attendance, tardies, and reporting absences.