Attendance

Absences

Absences are cleared in writing or via the Google Form only with one of the following:

  • Parent/guardian note:  Student name, date(s) of absence(s), reason for absence(s), parent/guardian name, phone number and signature,
  • Medical note: Note from physician/clinic with date of absence(s) and physician’s signature/stamp, OR
  • Google Form (NOT for COVID positive)

Please have your student turn in their note to the attendance office upon return from their absence.  If you have a prearranged day that your student will be out of school, you may send your note in advance of the absence.

The following are not acceptable methods of clearing attendance:

  • Phone calls
  • Prescriptions from a physician or Visit Summary
  • Emails
  • Notes without a reason and/or date for the absence: e.g. “Please excuse my son/daughter from being absent”

All absences must be cleared by a parent/guardian within 30 calendar days according to the SUHSD policy regulation code AR 5113 (D).  All absences, including those related to extra-curricular activities, off campuses, and/or testing can take up to 48 hours to clear.

COVID-Related Absences:

Please use the ELM COVID-related absence form to report missed days and upload test results.

Link for tests results and to report COVID-related absences (including close contact protocol):

https://linktr.ee/EastlakeMiddleSchool

Protocol for students with COVID-19-like symptoms:

2 negative tests (at-home tests are valid) that are at least twelve hours apart and symptom improvement are required to return to classes.  Student must wear well-fitting mask while on campus if symptoms are still present but improved.

Protocol for students who test positive:

Home isolation for 5 days, Day 0 is symptom onset or initial positive result.  Return to classes on Day 6 with proof of negative test taken day 5 or later. Student must wear well-fitting mask while on campus days 6-10.

Students are responsible for emailing all teachers via Jupiter grades to obtain assignments.  All teachers maintain online classrooms or similar accommodations at this time.

Please see links below for the SDCOE decision trees that inform our current policies:

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1660079376/sdcoenet/vlt8kehqmlywtvonsmyt/COVID-19-Decision-Tree.pdf

https://resources.finalsite.net/images/v1660079416/sdcoenet/nl5xrjfrkxwqylf0lrix/COVID-19-Decision-Tree-SPAN.pdf

 

Excessive Excused Absences

According to the SUHSD policy Regulation code AR 5113 (D,E), it has been established that it is reasonable to be absent 1 day a month (equivalent to 7 days per semester or 14 days in a school year). Having more than 7 days in a semester or 14 days (excused absences) in the school year may place your student under an “Excessive Excused Absence Contract.”

If a student is absent 7 or more excused days in a semester, or 14 excused days in a school year, the following measure may/will apply:

  • Contact by an Assistant Principal or Attendance Coordinator
  • Excessive Excused Absence Contract
  • If contract is not followed: SARB (Student Attendance Review Board)

 

Unexcused Absences

According to Education Code section 48260-48263, any student who is absent more than 3 days in a school year without a valid excuse is considered a habitual truant.

Any student defined as habitual truant who continues an unacceptable pattern of unexcused absences or tardiness may be placed on a pre-SARB contract, or referred to the district’s SARB.

 

Off Campuses

The office will not accept off campus requests over the phone or by note.  You must come to the attendance office to check a student out.  An off campus slip needs to be filled out, and a picture ID is required. The legal name must match the name we have listed in Infinite Campus.  Students will not be released to anyone who is not listed on their Infinite Campus account, or anyone under the age of 18.

Students are not allowed to wait in the office for their parent/guardian to pick up (unless in the nurse’s office for medical reasons).  Once ID is checked and the off campus slip is filled out, we will send for your student to come up to the office.  This process may take up to 15-20 minutes, so please plan accordingly.

Please note:  Our cut off time for off campuses is 15 minutes prior to the end of the school day.  Monday-Thursday 3:00 p.m., and Friday 12:36 p.m.  If you arrive after these times, there is no guarantee that we will be able to have your student here by 3:15 p.m. or 12:51 p.m.

 

Tardies

If your student is arriving late to school, please follow one of these procedures to excuse his/her tardy:

  • Send your student with either a parent/guardian note or a doctor’s note (if coming from a medical/dental appt). Parent note should have the student’s name, date, reason for tardy, parent/guardian name, phone number and signature.
  • Come in to the office to sign your student in for the day
  • Call the office to notify us that your student will be arriving late

Any student arriving late to school without one of the above, is unexcused.

Any student arriving over 30 minutes late to school and unexcused is considered truant.

Please note: Tardies must be cleared within 24 hours.

 

Independent Study

Your student is eligible for an Independent Study Contract if they will be absent no less than 5 days and a maximum of 15 days.  We require at least 1 week in advance notice. Please contact the Attendance Coordinator, Mr. Barr at Richard.Barr@sweetwaterschools.org or Ms. Miller, Angelina.Miller@sweetwaterschools.org obtain a contract. The student is responsible for completing their school work assigned by the teacher while they are gone.  The student must check in with the Attendance Coordinator (Mr. Barr or Ms. Miller) upon return from their absence. The AP secretary will make copies of their work for the attendance credit.