Student Attendance
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 and review additional information in the PUSD Family Handbook (Board Policy 6158 and Administrative Regulation 6158). Additionally, we strongly encourage families to schedule vacations during school breaks so student attendance is maintained.
Absence from school shall be excused 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 review PUSD attendance policies here.
When a student has accumulated 3 instances of unexcused absences and/or tardies over 30 minutes, the truancy notification process is initiated, as indicated by the chart below. If attendance does not improve after notification to the student and family, the school sites may hold School Attendance Review Team meetings and/or make referrals to the School Attendance Review Board in an effort to support the student in attending school regularly and on time.
Truancy Notification
*Instance = any absence that is between 1 period through 1 full school day OR being tardy (late) to school of 30 minutes or more.
| Number of Instances of Unexcused Absence | Notification |
|---|---|
|
3 instances* of unexcused absence |
1st Truancy Notification Letter |
|
3 additional instances* of unexcused absence (6 total instances) |
2nd Truancy Notification Letter |
|
3 additional instances* of unexcused absence (9 total instances) |
3rd Truancy Notification Letter (Designated as Habitually Truant by the State) |
Additional Attendance Information
- School Attendance Review Team (SART)
- School Attendance Review Board (SARB)
- Child Welfare & Attendance (CWA) Specialist Contact Information and School Assignment
- PUSD Resources that Support Improved Attendance