CARE (Attendance and Engagement)

Missing school regularly has severe consequences. Here’s a breakdown of why we at SCUSD track attendance:

1. Academic Risk: Chronic absence, which is missing 10% or more of school days, can lead to significant setbacks: 

• Third-graders may struggle with reading.
• Sixth-graders could fail subjects.
• Ninth-graders are more likely to drop out.

2. Disproportionate Impact: Children living in poverty, from communities of color, or with disabilities are more prone to chronic absences. They’re also most affected because they might lack resources to compensate for the lost days.

3. It’s Not Just Truancy: Many absences are excused and connected to genuine challenges:

• Health issues like asthma or diabetes.
• No school bus access or safe routes.
• Food insecurities.

4. Connection & Engagement Matter: Building a meaningful relationship with peers and teachers is vital for student success. We aim not only for attendance but also for active engagement where students interact, think, and connect.

5. Fall Behind: A student missing even 2 days a month is considered chronically absent, leading them to lag behind peers. For instance, kindergarteners with chronic absence often struggle with reading by third grade.

6. SCUSD’s Data:  In the 2022-23 school year, 29% of our K-12 students were chronically absent. This figure is alarmingly higher for students of color and our most vulnerable children. We’re aiming to improve this by ensuring every student is present and engaged, as their success in both school and life depends on it.

Regular attendance is crucial for student success. In fact, it’s often said that 95% of success is simply showing up. The COVID pandemic led to a spike in chronic absences, and its effects, especially on our most vulnerable students, are deeply concerning.

SCUSD categorizes student attendance in two ways: Chronic Absence and Truancy.

• Chronic Absence: Includes all types of absences - excused, unexcused, and suspensions.
• Truancy: Focuses only on unexcused or unverified absences.

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.

• Use the Absence Form on the school website.
• Send a note with your child.
• Call the school.
• Email the Attendance Staff.

Include:

• Child’s name and grade
• Absence date(s)
• Reason for absence
• Your name and contact phone #

If your child’s absence is excused, you can request any  assignments they missed from the school. This ensures your child remains on track and doesn’t miss out on any learning.

Life happens, and we get that. Our motto is “help before harm.” We’re on your team to tackle any issues that make it hard for your child to attend school.