Attendance

It is well established that faithful and regular school attendance in school is related to student progress and achievement. In order for your child to do his or her very best, it is important that he/she be in school as many days as possible.

We need your help in making sure your child has good attendance. We ask that students and parents abide by an attendance rate of 95%; parents agree to support regular attendance, and promptly observe the opening and closing times of the instructional day. Students must maintain a 95% or greater attendance rate, including absences and tardies. Students with an attendance rate less than 95% are in jeopardy of losing precious learning time. There are times when it is necessary for a child to miss school. For example, a child who is sick or has symptoms of an illness will need to stay home.

Attendance is important! Please send your child to school every day as long as they are healthy.

Attendance Regulations: Authorized Absences: student absence is excused for the following main reasons only:

1. Illness or injury
2. Quarantine
3. Medical, dental, optometry, or chiropractic appointment
4. Funeral of immediate family

Attendance Procedures

Attendance Procedures:

1. The parent or guardian should make a telephone call to the school at (650) 482-2406 by 8:30 a.m. the day of the absence or send an email to the office at: earaiza@rcsdk8.net . The following information is required:

a. Parent/guardian’s name

b. Student’s name

c. Reason for absence

d. Date of absence

2. If the student has been absent and no call has been made, then the student must bring a written note (date, reason, days of absence, and signature) to school upon their return or the parent/guardian can send an email.

3. Students arriving at school after school starts must check with the office to verify the daily health is complete and for a tardy slip.

4. If a student visits a doctor, written verification should be provided to the office.

5. Students with excessive absences/tardies will be referred to the School Site SARB. Please observe the following:

A. If you plan to take your child out of school for five (5) or more days (i.e. out-of-town trip), please let their teacher and the office know at least two weeks in advance. An independent study contract may be set up which will help maintain the continuity in your child’s education. Please see the independent study information.

B. Parents are urged to schedule medical appointments in the afternoon or non-school hours.

C. Attendance Regulations: Authorized Absences – student absence is excused for the following main reasons:

D. 1. Illness or injury 2. Quarantine 3. Medical, dental, optometry, or chiropractic appointment 4. Funeral of immediate family

*See RCSD District Board Policy for complete details of absences: http://www.gamutonline.net/district/redwoodcity/

Tardy Policy

Excessive Absences/Tardies

A student shall be declared excessively absent if he/she is absent/tardy for more than five percent (5%) of the school days of the total enrollment so far in the school year. Families of students with less than 95% attendance may be in danger of entering the SARB process due to excessive absences and will be required to meet with the principal until attendance improves. On campus or home suspensions will count towards the expected 95% attendance rate.

Absences due to COVID19

In the current school year under the COVID19 Pandemic, the State and County Health and Education officials will provide specific language and guidance regarding student attendance due to COVID19.

School Attendance Review Board (SARB) and Mini-SARB

SARB was established to provide assistance to meet the needs of students/parents with attendance problems. The Orion Alternative Elementary School Mini-SARB team consisting of administration, school psychologist, nurse, and parent/community member provides possible alternatives and assistance to referred students who find it difficult to attend school on a regular basis.

Attendance is reviewed monthly. Students and parents will be notified if the student has a tardy/absenteeism rate of 10% or more. The following steps shall be taken if the student exceeds this rate:

1. Warning Letter – A letter will be sent to the parents notifying them of the attendance problem.

2. SESP Letter & Meeting – If the attendance does not improve after the warning letter, a SESP letter will be sent home and a SESP conference will be held. An attendance contract will be established to improve the student’s attendance.

3. SARB Letter & Meeting - If the attendance does not improve after the SESP meeting, the student will be referred to the district SARB team. A SARB letter will be sent home and a SARB conference will be scheduled.

If excessive absences are due to COVID19, the County and State Health and Education officials will provide specific guidance to the school.