Attendance
The following methods may be used by parents and legal guardians when verifying an absence with the school staff:
- Parents and guardians are required to submit a note or phone call to excuse absences
- Parents or guardians must verify the nature of the student's absence
- Information collected from the parent or guardian either through a phone call or note needs to contain the following information:
- Student's First and Last Name
- Parent or guardians first and last name
- Date of Absence
- Reason for Absence
- Truancy: California Education Code 48260- a student who is absent without a valid excuse and/or tardy for 30 minutes or more on three separate days
- Habitual Truant: California Education Code 48262- Students who have been reported as truant three or more times per school year
- Chronic/Excessive Absentee: Education Code Section 60901 (c)(1)- a student who is absent 10% or more of the school days enrolled
Authorized Absences: A students may be excused from school for justifiable personal reasons when the student's absence has been requested in writing by the parent or legal guardian and approved in advance by the principal or a designated official. Students granted permission to be absent from school will not be subject to disciplinary action and shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the period of absence.
- Illness (Please take note: If a student becomes ill at school, they must go to the nurse's office in order to be excused to go home and / or be picked up by emergency contact. Students may not call parents on their own, they must go through the attendance office.)
- Quarantine
- Doctor or dental appointment
- Death in immediate family (Extended family is not included and the absence will not be classified as excused.)
- Jury Duty or appearance in court
- Exclusion from school pursuant to health and safety code.
- Mental health
- Religious exercises or instruction.
- Attendance at a parent/guardian service member deployment activities not to exceed four school days per year
Unexcused Absences: Students absent from school for reasons other than those considered to be excused or authorized, may be considered truant and will be subject to disciplinary actions. Student absences are considered unexcused for one or more of the following reasons:
- Going out of town/vacation
- Caring for a sick relative
- Babysitting
- Absent for any other reason not listed above
SARB (School Attendance Review Board) Process: After being classified as a habitual truant, the student's attendance matter will be referred to the District School Attendance Review Board (SCOR) for further action.
Verification of Absences: A phone call or written note from a parent or legal guardian verifying that a student's absence was due to one or more of the causes listed above, is required. Students who fail to have their absences verified within 10 days, will be considered truant and will be subject to disciplinary action.
- School or public health nurse
- Attendance supervisor
- Physician
- Principal and / or teacher
- Any qualified employee of the district or county Superintendent of Schools assigned to make such verification.
Early Dismissal: Early dismissal of a student must be verified by a signed note or a phone call from his/her parents or guardian indicating the date, time, and reason for leaving.
Foggy Day Schedule: During the dangerous fog season, school hours may be adjusted as determined to be necessary by the LUHSD Superintendent. Announcements concerning changes in bus service and school hours are made on the radio, television and LUHSD website during morning hours.
Off-campus Pass Requirement: Students may not leave campus at any time during the school day without written permission. Students must checkout and, upon their return, check-in at the attendance office. Students who fail to comply with off-campus requirements will be considered defiant and truant, and will be subject to appropriate disciplinary actions. 18 year-old students may not check themselves out of school, they are still required to be checked out by a parent / guardian or emergency contact.
Tardy Policy: Each student shall attend school punctually and regularly. Students who enter the classroom after class is in session are interfering with the rights of others to learn and study. Punctuality (being on time) is a demonstration of individual dependability and is considered to be a virtue by others, including future employers. Students who fail to arrive at school on time are in violation of California State Law and will be subject to disciplinary action.