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Student Attendance

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In the Pleasanton Unified School District, regular and punctual school attendance of students is expected and encouraged, as students who attend school regularly have higher academic outcomes than those who are absent. To foster a culture that values regular and timely attendance, we strive to work as a team with our families to support the success of our students, ensuring that students feel safe and connected to school. And while we recognize that there are many reasons and unique challenges that may lead to students missing school, we are seeking your mutual cooperation in helping your student attend school regularly and on time. 

If you anticipate your student missing school for a duration of 3-15 school days, please contact your student's school site to learn more about an Independent Study Contract. Board Policy 6158 and Administrative Regulation 6158 were updated in July 2021. Additionally, we strongly encourage families to schedule vacations during school breaks so student attendance is maintained. 

 

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Absence from school shall be excused only for health reasons, family emergencies, and justifiable personal reasons, as permitted by law, Board policy, and administrative regulations (Education Code 48205/Administrative Regulation (AR) 5113). Absences due to illness and medical appointments are considered excused absences as long as the school receives a phone call from a parent or guardian clearing the absence within 72 hours of the occurrence. All other absences are considered unexcused, per state law, even if a parent calls to report their student’s absence. Any tardy over 30 minutes, except for medical reasons, is also unexcused. Please refer to the truancy notification chart below, which indicates when unexcused absences and/or tardies will initiate the truancy process.

Re-Engagement/Truancy Letters 

*Instance = any absence that is between 1 period through 1 full school day OR being tardy (late) to school of 30 minutes or more.  

3 instances* of unexcused absence

1st Truancy Notification Letter

2 additional instances* of unexcused absence

(5 total instances)

2nd Truancy Notification Letter

2 additional instances* of unexcused absence

(7 total instances)

3rd Truancy Notification Letter

(Designated as Habitually Truant by the State)

 

Students who are alert and ready to learn in school each day make the most of the learning opportunities offered to them. Attending school regularly starting in the early grades is critical to gaining the social, emotional, and academic skills needed to succeed. The main objective of the Student Attendance Review Team (SART) is to understand the reasons why students, at the school site level, are not attending school and to connect students and families to school and community resources to address these absence concerns. Once the student is considered a habitual truant (3rd Truancy Letter), or has an excessive number of absences for illness, the student will be referred to a PUSD Child Welfare and Attendance Specialist who will arrange for a Student Attendance Review Team (SART) Meeting.

What to expect at a SART meeting:
  • A SART meeting may include the following team members: School Administrator, Child Welfare and Attendance Specialist, student, parent, school counselor, teacher, and any other specified staff.
  • A corrective action plan will be developed with parental input. The student will again be directed to attend all classes unless excused for legal reason.
 
When the school has exhausted all resources and a student's attendance has not improved, then a family may be referred to a School Attendance Review Board (SARB) hearing.

After a SART meeting occurred at the school site level and attendance has not improved, a family can be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) hearing. The SARB Chairperson will schedule a hearing before a panel and the student and parent/guardian are required to attend.The School Attendance Review Board addresses chronic attendance and truancy problems. The mission of the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) is to help students stay in school, attend school regularly and graduate. SARB is a community-based effort to bring together resources to assist families with attendance and truancy issues.

 

At a SARB hearing, students and their parents will meet with a panel that may consist of a:

  • SARB Chairperson
  • Child Welfare and Attendance Specialist
  • School Administrator
  • School Social Worker
  • School Counselor
  • School District Health staff
  • School Resource Officer
  • Community Mental Health Providers
 
Failure to comply with SARB recommendations and interventions may result in a further referral to the Alameda County District Attorney’s office for legal action. SARB hearings are conducted by school districts throughout California and records are transferred between districts when students relocate to a new school.

The role of the Child Welfare & Attendance (CWA) Specialist is to assist and educate students, parents/guardians, and schools, engaging in personalized early outreach and promoting student success and achievement through consistent attendance. Please feel free to contact your school's assigned CWA with any questions or concerns about attendance. 

 

Child Welfare & Attendance Specialist

Assigned Schools

Kelly Mills

[email protected] 

 

Foothill High School, Hart Middle School, Village High School

Sherry Konersman

[email protected]

 

Amador Valley High School, Harvest Park Middle School

Michelle Spinola

[email protected]

 

Pleasanton Middle School, Alisal, Donlon, Fairlands, Hearst, Lydiksen, Mohr, Valley View, Vintage Hills, Walnut Grove