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Attendance

California state law requires all persons less than 18 years of age to attend school. Parents are responsible for their child's attendance.

A note written by the parent/guardian needs to be presented to the first period teacher on the first day the student returns from an absence to verify the reason for an absence. Failure to provide a note within 72 hours of the student's return to school will result in the absence being classified as unexcused. Absences exceeding three consecutive days will only be excused with a doctor's note. Excused absences and tardies are granted only for illness, doctor or dentist appointments, court appearances, and the death of immediate family members. The school will use the School Attendance and Review Board (SARB) to discourage truancies, unexcused absences, and excessive absences.

Who is referred to SARB?

  • Students with chronic attendance problems
  • Students with chronic behavior problems that have not been resolved through school and community efforts

Who is on the board?

  • Parents and/or Community Representatives
  • School Guidance Personnel
  • Child Welfare and Attendance Personnel
  • Children and Family Services
  • Community-Based Organizations
  • Law Enforcement
  • District Attorney's Office
  • Probation Department

Specified laws related to attendance

  • Education Code, Section 48200. Students between the ages of 6 and 18 are require to attend school full-time unless otherwise exempt.
  • Education Code, Section 48263. Habitually truant and habitually insubordinate students may be referred to SARB.
  • Education Code, Section 48292, and Penal Code, Section 272. Failure to attend school as required may result in the filing of a complaint against the parents with the District Attorney's Office.