Attendance

The state attendance laws require full-time attendance and punctuality of every student between six and sixteen years of age. The parents and the school have the responsibility to enforce these laws. A student should not be absent without the knowledge and consent of the parent or guardian.

Excused Absences

Students receive an excused absence when they are absent from school for the following reasons:

• Death in the immediate family (mother, father or siblings)
• Illness or injury to the student, visiting a doctor or dentist, or if in the hospital for treatment.
• The pupil is on independent study and has completed a contract in accordance with independent study policies.

Students who plan to be absent for reasons other than those listed above should be placed on independent study at the parents request. Please see office personnel for independent study details.

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences are those which do not come under any of the definitions of excused absences. Students who have unexcused absences may be denied make-up privileges. Such absences may be reflected in the students final grade. All students who are absent for 30 days or more may be considered candidates for retention according to Palmdale School District Policy.

Written Notes/Phone Calls

Parents are encouraged to call each day during the absence of their child from school. If they do not have a chance to call before returning to school; a student should bring a note indicating the reason for the absence. The note should indicate the following: student name, teacher name, reason for absence, date of absence, and parent signature.

Truancy and Tardiness

Any student who is absent from school without a valid excuse or who is frequently tardy for more than 30 minutes on 3 different occasions, will be reported to the School Attendance Review Board which will review the students situation and recommend action related to the truancies and tardies. They are also subject to legal citation by PDMC (Palmdale Municipal Code) 9.25.020(A). Tardies are excused only if they are related to medical/dental illnesses or appointments.

It is extremely important that students be in place and ready to work at 8:28 a.m. Tardiness to class is viewed as a serious matter. If a student is late for school, he/she MUST check in with the office before going to class.