Daily Attendance Matters
Students are expected to attend school every day. Children who miss school miss out on opportunities to learn, build lasting friendships, and develop the skills and attitudes needed to become good citizens and valued employees. There is a clear connection between student attendance and student performance in school.
It is understood that children sometimes become ill or have important appointment. We understand that children might miss between 5 to 7 days per year.
However, if students miss more than 10% of school attendance days then this has a strong negative impact on academic progress. There is research that shows that missing more than 10% of school increases a student's chances of dropping out of school once they are in high school. (Each academic year has 180 days of attendance. Missing 18 days of school is considered "chronic absenteeism.")
Attendance Policies
It is important that parents and students understand the following State and District guidelines. Be advised that parents must call the school office or send in a note to clear an absence. Any absence not verified by a parent/guardian within 5 days will be marked as unexcused.
Absences should be called in the morning of or the day before the child is going to be absent. Please call in even if your child is going to arrive late. Absences by law, must be excused in writing or by phone. Absences may be reported by calling the main office at (619) 344-5300 and leaving a message. The district's Connect-Ed system will make automated phone calls when students are absent or tardy.
Excused Absences: Absences or tardies are considered excused only for the following reasons and with proper documentation:
- Illness such as vomiting, fever or contagious disease. After 3 days of continuous absence a doctor’s na doctor's note will be required.
- Medical/dental appointments. (A note from doctor/dentist is required.)
- Court appearances requiring student’s presence
- Attending the funeral of a family member.
Unexcused Absences: An unexcused absence or tardy is recorded for reasons other than those listed above. The following are examples of unexcused absences: going out of town, traffic, family celebrations.
Doctor's Appointments, Early Dismissal - Please come to the office and sign out your child. You MUST bring a PHOTO ID and your name must appear on the Student Enrollment Card.
Extended Absences/Contracts - If your child is going to be absent for 5 or more days, please contact the attendance office at least 2 WEEKS in advance so that teachers can prepare a homework packet for your student. Students are required to have homework completed and submitted to their teachers upon return to school in order to receive credit. Late notifications will not guarantee homework.
Tardies - Students arriving after the 9:00 am bell must enter through the main office. They will receive a TARDY PASS and then walk straight to class. If students arrive after 9:10 am, students must get a TARDY SLIP.