Reporting & Verifying Absences

Excused Absences and Reasons That Do Not Qualify as Excused

Excused Absences

Absences may be excused for reasons authorized by law and district policy, including:

• personal physical, mental, or emotional illness;

• medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic appointments;

• quarantine directed by a public health officer;

• funeral services for an immediate family member within legal time limits;

• court appearances or jury duty;

• permitted religious holidays, ceremonies, retreats, or instruction;

• the student’s naturalization ceremony;

• participation in a cultural ceremony or event;

• certain military-family circumstances;

• a family emergency;

• an approved college visit; or

• another justifiable personal reason approved by the principal or designee.

Some reasons require advance approval, additional information, or supporting documentation.

Reasons That Do Not Qualify as Excused

Reasons that do not ordinarily qualify as excused include:

• oversleeping or routine traffic;

• missing a ride or other avoidable transportation problem;

• vacations, recreational travel, or family outings;

• concerts, sporting events, or other entertainment activities;

• completing schoolwork, studying for another class, or avoiding an assessment;

• working at a job unless specifically authorized;

• arriving late without a qualifying reason;

• leaving campus without authorization;

• choosing not to attend school or a particular class; or

• a general explanation that does not establish a valid excuse.

A parent or guardian may verify that one of these events occurred, but the attendance record may remain coded U, Z, T, or W, as applicable.

Family Travel and Independent Study

Family vacations, recreational travel, and family trips do not qualify as excused and are recorded with the applicable attendance code. Families should schedule travel during school breaks whenever possible.

When a student will miss five or more consecutive school days, the family may contact the Attendance Office in advance to ask about eligibility for a Contract for Independent Study. Approval is not automatic and requires sufficient advance notice, teacher participation, completion of assigned work, and compliance with district procedures.