Attendance at SVUSD
Attendance at SVUSD
Why Attendance Matters
Academic Achievement
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time, and pursue higher education opportunities.
Social and Emotional Development
School provides a supportive environment where students can develop social skills, build friendships, and enhance their emotional well-being.
Future Success
Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.
How We Can Help
SVUSD's Commitment
Clear Attendance Policies
We maintain clear and consistent attendance policies, emphasizing the importance of regular school attendance.
Supportive Environment
We strive to create a welcoming and supportive environment where students feel valued and connected.
Early Intervention
We identify and address attendance concerns early, working collaboratively with families to find solutions.
Community Partnerships
We collaborate with community partners to provide resources and support to families facing barriers to attendance.
Attendance Tips
- Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can.
- Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home. If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator.
- Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning. If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal.
- Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours. Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience.
District Attendance Policy
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It is important that you contact your child’s school if your child is absent from school.
On the day of your student’s absence, you will receive a notification via phone call, text, or email even if the absence has been reported via our district system. Contacting parents and guardians of students who are not in class is an important measure undertaken by the District to ensure the safety of all of our students.
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All absences are considered unexcused, until the school receives a note or email documenting a valid reason for the absence. If the reason isn’t valid, the absence is still considered unexcused. If the note isn’t received within 3 days, the absence is considered unexcused. If a note is received within 3 days, the absence may be reclassified as excused. Unexcused absences are considered “unlawful absences” if the student is of compulsory school age.
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SVUSD recognizes that there may be legitimate reasons for absences, such as illness, family emergencies, or religious observances. Parents/guardians are required to provide documentation to excuse absences. Documentation must be submitted within 3 days after the absence occurs.
A student absence is considered excused under the following circumstances:
- Illness
- Family emergency
- Death of a family member
- Medical or dental appointment
- Bona Fide religious holiday
- Court hearing
- Dismissed from school by a school nurse or administrator
- Care provided by a licensed health care or therapy practitioner
- Parent deployed for or on leave from combat posting
- “Rare and extraordinary circumstances” approved by the Superintendent (this is very narrowly defined)
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Students who miss a significant number of school days, regardless of the reason, are considered chronically absent and may face academic and social challenges. SVUSD is committed to working with families to address chronic absenteeism and support student success. We are committed to your child’s success and we are your partner. Together, we can set your student up for success!
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Review the state’s attendance policy
The Board requires that school-aged pupils enrolled in District schools attend school regularly in accordance with state laws. The educational program offered by SVUSD is predicated upon the presence of the pupil and requires continuity of instruction and classroom participation. Please refer to California Department of Education: Truancy Explained for more information.
We believe that strong partnerships between families and schools are essential for ensuring student success. By working together, we can create a culture of attendance where every student feels motivated and supported to attend school every day.