Student Attendance & Engagement
We are committed to partnering with you to ensure your student(s) can be present and engaged in their learning. To keep you informed and offer support, we use several types of communication regarding student attendance.
Chronic Absence Reports (from EveryDay Labs): These supportive, non-disciplinary "nudge letters" provide a clear summary of the total number of days your student has missed at various points throughout the year. The goal is to provide a helpful update and prevent too many absences from accumulating.
Official Truancy Notices: As required by California Education Code, these are formal notifications sent when a student has three or more unexcused absences or tardies of more than 30 minutes. It is very important to contact your school immediately if you receive one to create a plan for improving attendance.
Informational Text Messages: You may receive brief text alerts regarding your student's attendance (e.g., Hello - Casey has missed 15 days this school year...). These are quick check-ins and provide an easy way to ask for help by replying with "SUPPORT".
School Site Attendance Letters: In addition to the communications above, your school may also send letters directly to you regarding attendance concerns or to offer support. Please contact your school's front office if you have questions about a letter you receive from your school site.
Our goal is to work together. For more detailed information, please visit our Attendance & Engagement website @ care.scusd.edu or monitor attendance in the Infinite Campus Parent Portal.
Contact Student Attendance & Engagement
Absence/Truancy Process
At 3 absences: An attendance staff outreach phone call home is made. If there is no valid excuse as stated in the CA Ed Code, Truancy Notice #1 is sent home.
At 5 absences: A school leader outreach phone call home is made. A Chronic Absence letter is sent home. If there is no valid excuse as stated in the CA Ed Code, Truancy Notice #2 is sent home.
At 7 absences: School staff organizes an Engagement Support Plan (ESP) Meeting within 5 school days of the 7th unexcused absence. A Notification of the ESP Meeting is mailed to the family. If there is no valid excuse as stated in the CA Ed Code, Truancy Notice #3 is sent. During the ESP Meeting, a joint agreement is crafted with the student’s family, school, and support staff to improve the student’s attendance. If the ESP is not effective and the student’s attendance does not improve, a Restorative SARB Referral is initiated.