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Report an Absence

Phone: 714-730-7505 Ext. 67101
Contact Person: Christina Rigney, Attendance

 

Forms

Required

Please Select an Option
Enter Date of Absence (Must contain a date in MM/DD/YYYY format)
Student Namerequired
Student First Name
Student Middle (optional)
Last Name
Name of person reporting the absence (parent/guardian)required
Parent/Guardian First Name
Last Name
Ex. Mrs. Tran
Must contain only numbers

Attendance

Attendance — Ladera Elementary

Ladera Leopards · School Policies

Attendance

Why Attendance Matters

Absence from school is one of the greatest contributing factors to unsatisfactory schoolwork. Under California Education Code 48260, pupils are required by law to attend school punctually and regularly. It's the legal responsibility of parents and guardians to ensure their school-aged children attend school every day for the entire day, unless they have a valid excuse.

  • Students need to be in class to learn and develop social relationships with peers and adults.
  • The teaching-learning process builds on lessons previously taught.
  • Many lessons involve hands-on activities that can't be duplicated with paper-and-pencil assignments outside of class.
  • Students develop the habits of scholarly behavior — including good attendance and punctuality — that carry into future careers.
  • School funding is dependent on student attendance.

Excused vs. Unexcused Absences

A child may be legally excused from attending school, or for being tardy, only for the following reasons: illness, a medical/dental/optometry appointment, a death in the family, or religious observance.

Excused

Illness, medical/dental/optometry appointments, a death in the family, or religious observance.

For any doctor's appointment, please bring a note. Students with a morning appointment should come to school afterward if well enough; students with an afternoon appointment should attend school in the morning.

Unexcused

Any reason other than those listed — including family vacations, athletic events, and extra-curricular activities (Brownies, Scouts, Indian Princess, etc.).

Advance notice is appreciated, but unexcused absences still trigger an attendance violation letter after the third occurrence, per state compulsory education law.

Reporting an Absence

Parents must report an absence within 3 days, including your child's name, grade, reason for the absence, and your relationship to the child. Report it one of the following ways:

Call

(714) 730-7505

Online Form

Fill out the online student absence report.

Email

Mrs. Rigney
crigney@tustin.k12.ca.us

The email or note should include the date(s) of absence and the reason for the absence.

Tardies

Prioritizing on-time arrival to school is critical. Students who arrive even just 2–3 minutes late miss out on the benefits of a calm and predictable start to their school day. Thank you for your support in ensuring on-time arrival.

Scholars arriving late to school, or leaving school 30 minutes or more before dismissal, will be considered truant if there is not a medical reason. Leaving more than 30 minutes prior to dismissal (without a medical reason) qualifies as an unexcused tardy.

Consequences for Truancy or Absence

Per district and school policy, on a student's first day back after an absence, they must bring a signed written note from a parent/guardian listing the date and specific reason for the absence — or a parent/guardian may call the office or email Mrs. Rigney instead.

Unexcused Absences

1st Truancy Letter sent home.

Unexcused Absences

2nd Truancy Letter sent home, and a request for a parent conference.

Unexcused Absences

3rd Truancy Letter sent home, with a possible SARB (School Attendance Review Board) referral.

Scholars with excessive absences or tardies may be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Every Day Counts

Consistent attendance — including being on time — is critically important to your child's education. Please refrain from scheduling vacations while school is in session.