Attendance / Tardies / Excused Absences

Attendance

Regular attendance is an important factor in your child's academic progress. We respect the importance of quality instructional time. Students should be on time and ready to learn every day. Being on time is very important, and students are expected to be in their seat and ready for instruction when the bell rings. If your child is late, they are to report to the office as soon as they arrive at school. Three tardies are equal to one truancy. Students who are truant or habitually absent (more than three days) may be referred to the Student Attendance Review Board (SARB). Absences should be kept to a minimum, and family vacations should be scheduled during school holidays.

If your child must be absent, please call the absence line at 760-290-2588. Teachers are not expected to prepare work ahead of time for families going on vacation during school time. Should a special situation arise which requires your child to be absent from school for a week or more, please notify the teacher and school office at least one week ahead, and he/she will prepare an independent study packet. This packet will help us from losing attendance funding. Education Code 49067 and the SMUSD Board Policy 5113 "Absences and Excuses" authorize teachers to assign a failing grade to any student with more than 10 days of unexcused absences in a semester.

Excused Absences

It is imperative that you provide an excuse each time your child is absent from school for any reason. If your child has seen a doctor, we request a note from that doctor. You are encouraged to telephone the school the morning of the absence at 760-290-2588. Parents may also send a written note excusing their child's absence. Our attendance clerk is responsible for contacting the parents of each absent student and your call greatly facilitates this process. If a student is absent, it is their responsibility to make up all missed work.

Tardies

Tardies should be kept to a minimum. Tardies affect your child's academic success and are disruptive to the class. Late students must report to the office for a Tardy Pass prior to going to their classroom. The start of the school day is one of the most important times of the day for your child. Please work to ensure your child arrives at school on time!

Chronic absences and tardies can result in a referral to the State Attendance Review Board (SARB).

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