Attendance

Redlands Unified School District: Student Attendance Policies and Procedures

Legal Mandate and Authority

School attendance is mandated by California State Law and the regulations of the Governing Board of the Redlands Unified School District (Education Code : 48260–48264). The administration is responsible for enforcing all attendance policies to ensure regular student attendance and punctuality.

Reporting and Clearing Absences

When a student is absent, a parent or guardian must contact the school within 48 hours to clear the absence. You may report an absence by calling 909.307.5540 (Option 1) and leaving a voicemail or contact our

Teachers record daily attendance, and an automated notification system will contact guardians after 3:00 p.m. regarding any unexcused absences. If the school does not receive notification within 48 hours, the absence will permanently be recorded as truancy.

According to the California Compulsory Attendance Law, absences are excusable only for the following reasons:

• Student illness or medical/dental appointments.

• Funeral services for immediate family members.

• Religious observances or exercises.

• Mandated student court appearances.

• Late school bus transportation.

Note on Attendance Tracking: While the reasons listed above are legally excused, they still count toward the student's total number of absences. A full day of absence—even with a doctor’s note—is counted against the student's overall attendance record. However, if a doctor's note is submitted to the main office for a partial-day absence, it will be classified as a medical tardy and will not negatively impact the student's record. All other reasons for absence are classified as unexcused.

Intervention Thresholds and the SART/SARB Process

The State Department of Education requires the school to monitor, track, and notify parents regarding student absences. Automated letters are generated based on state-mandated formulas and will be sent home regardless of whether the absences are excused or unexcused.

• Five (5) Unexcused Absences: Parent/guardian receives the first written communication from the school.

• Ten (10) or More Absences: Parent/guardian receives additional written communication. Under California Education Code, students missing 10% or more of the school year are classified as chronically absent.

Continued attendance issues will result in further administrative action, which may include:

1. A mandatory conference with the Student Attendance Review Team (SART) to sign a formal attendance contract.

2. A formal referral to the district’s School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

3. The immediate revocation of intra-district or inter-district transfers.

Truancy and Punctuality

• Truancy Definition: A student is considered truant if an absence is not cleared with a legitimate reason within 48 hours, or if they are tardy by 30 minutes or more on three separate days.

• Morning Arrival: Students must be in line when the first bell rings at 7:45 a.m. Any student not in line by 7:50 a.m. is considered tardy and must check in at the main office. Students arriving 30 minutes or more after the start of school will be marked "Late."

• Early Dismissal: Signing a student out more than 20 minutes prior to the official dismissal time will be recorded as an "Early Out," which functions as a tardy on the student's record.

Early Pick-Up and Security Procedures

To sign a student out early for medical, dental, or other essential appointments, parents or guardians must come into the main office.

• Identification: Office personnel will require valid identification to verify authorization before releasing the student.

• Authorized Pick-Up: Only individuals listed on the Aeries Parent Portal emergency contact list who are 18 years of age or older may check a student out of school.

• Custody Documentation: If there are specific custody restrictions, a recent, certified copy of the court order must be on file with the school office. In the absence of a legal court order, both parents are presumed to have equal rights.

Whenever possible, please schedule medical and dental appointments after school hours to minimize disruptions to your child's education and the rest of the classroom.

Short-Term Independent Study (RISE Packets)

Students who will be absent for a minimum of 1 day and a maximum of 15 days per school year are eligible for a short-term independent study (RISE) contract.

• Requests: Parents must request a RISE contract through the attendance office in advance.

• Credit: To receive full attendance credit and academic grades, all RISE assignments must be completed and submitted within 10 days of the student's return to school.

• Purpose: Approved and completed RISE contracts allow students to recover missed days, which helps families avoid receiving automated attendance intervention letters. Please note that independent study is designed to support short-term transitions and is not a permanent replacement for regular school attendance.

Transfer Agreements and Accountability

Students attending via an intra- or inter-district transfer have signed a formal agreement with the district office regarding attendance expectations. Please review your specific transfer agreement regularly, as failure to meet these standards will result in the revocation of the transfer.

Academic makeup work remains the sole responsibility of the student. Establishing patterns of regular, on-time attendance prepares students for future academic success and professional reliability. Thank you for your cooperation in ensuring your child arrives at school on time every day.