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Attendance

What is an Excused Absence?  How do you Clear an Excused Absence?
Everyone understands that students need to be in school every day to receive the best possible education.  Absenteeism is very costly, causes long-term problems for students, schools and our community.  California’s Compulsory Attendance Law requires every person between the ages of 6 and18 years of age to attend school full time everyday, unless the student has been legally exempted or has graduated from high school.

California’s Attendance Law requires parents/guardians to verify all student absences by either a note or telephone call to the school within 5 days of the student’s return to school.  This verification shall include:

                 1.          The student’s full name.    

                2.             The date(s) of absence.

                3.             The specific reason for the absence.                                                                          

                4.             The name and relationship of theperson providing the information.

                5.             The date when the verification wasmade.

 
It is very important that parents/guardians understand that the reason provided for the absence either orally or in a written note, only provides the reason for the absence and that this information does not in and of itself excuse the absence.  Only authorized district personnel determine if an absence shall be considered to be excused or unexcused. 

If a student is absent for any of the following reasons, school personnel may determine the absence to be excused: 
  • Illnessor injury to the student (Not to exceed 10 days per school year withouta physician’s note per RUSD Administrative Regulation 5113).  Any excess of 10 absences or more in theschool year without verification by a physician’s note or authorized school personnel will be considered unexcused absences. 
     
  • Medical,dental, optometric, or chiropractic appointments for the student verified by adoctor’s note or authorized designee.   
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  • Attendance at a funeral for a member of the student’s immediate family.  
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  • Evidence of head lice.(Re-examination by a school nurse or authorized school personnel within 24 hours after the date indicated on the HealthTreatment Agreement form required for lice.  
 
Any absences, after failing to follow thisprocedure, will be considered unexcused.