Please don't hesitate to contact the Attendance Office if your student will be absent. You can do so via email at aleonard@chicousd.org or by calling 891-3080, Ext. 41115. Please include your student’s name, the date of absence, and the reason for the absence.
To help all students maintain positive momentum as the school year progresses, we will be offering Saturday Success Academies on the following dates:
Dates are listed in the flyer below for 2025/2026
The purpose of these academies is to provide a productive and fun environment for students to strengthen their connection to our school while completing missing assignments and raising their grades under the supervision of a certified staff member. In addition to time for work completion and assistance, students will also have access to engaging enrichment and/or recreational activities.
Saturday Success Academy is not designed to be a punishment but rather another opportunity to help each and every Bidwell student achieve our goal of at least 95% attendance, zero missing assignments, and zero failing grades. You will receive an invitation if your student has multiple absences, multiple missing assignments, and/or multiple failing or failing-in-danger grades. Space is limited, so we will prioritize invitations based on need.
Please get in touch with Alicia Leonard at ext. 41115 if you don’t receive an invitation but would like your student to attend Saturday Success Academy.
If you would like to sign up your student for the next Saturday Success Academy, complete this sign-up form: Sign up for Saturday Academy: Click this LINK
Minimum attendance requirement for participation in 8th Grade Promotion: 85% of a 180-day instructional year. (This would allow 26 full absence days, either excused or unexcused.) A review committee would be available to students who may have extenuating circumstances for excused absences.
All school-age children between the ages of 6 and 18 years not exempted are required by law to attend school each day during the school year except for the following reasons:
illness
quarantine (under the direction of the county health officer)
medical, dental, optometrical or chiropractic services (we ask that you schedule medical, dental, optometrical or chiropractic services after school or on non-school days whenever possible to limit your child's absences from school)
funeral services of a member of the immediate family
jury duty
appearance in court
observance obligations of a student's religion
attendance at religious retreats (not to exceed four hours per semester)
exclusion from school for health and safety reasons
employment conferences
or some other reason approved by the school principal
The only exception is when the educational needs are met through a legally acceptable alternative program. Vacations should be scheduled during non-school days.
A student absent from school for one of the above acceptable reasons shall be allowed to complete all assignments and tests missed during the absence and shall be given full credit.
A parent/guardian is obligated by law to compel the student to attend school. A parent/guardian who fails to meet this obligation may be guilty of an infraction and subject to prosecution.
See Board Policy