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Attendance

Students with better attendance are more likely to succeed at school academically, socially, and beyond. Our team is committed to partnering with families to ensure student attendance. If your student is struggling with attendance, please contact us so we can help minimize our barriers and support their educational success.
 
To learn more about school attendance and resources that can help, join our School Attendance Review Board (SARB) Fairs.
 
The SARB Fair dates for the 2023-2024 School Year are:
    • November 1, 2023
    • December 13, 2023
    • January 17, 2024
    • February 7, 2024
    • March 27, 2024
    • April 24, 2024
    • May 22, 2024
SCHOOL SITE CONTACTS

SCHOOL SITE CONTACTS

Belle Haven Elementary School
Principal, Assistant Principal, or Administrative Assistant
(650)329-2898
 
Cesar Chavez Ravenswood Middle School
Principal, Assistant Principal, or Administrative Assistant
(650)329-2828
 
Costaño School of the Arts
Principal, Assistant Principal, or Administrative Assistant
(650)329-2830
 
Los Robles-Ronald McNair Academy
Principal, Assistant Principal, or Administrative Assistant
(650)329-2888
DISTRICT CONTACT

DISTRICT CONTACT

Jennifer Gravem
Executive Director, Education Services
(650)329-2800 ext.60145
Frequently asked questions (FAqs)

Frequently asked questions (FAqs)

Does attendance really matter?
YES. If you want your child to be sucessful at school, every day counts! Learn more here.
 
Do I need to let the school know if my child has been away?
Yes. Parents must let the school know the reason for the absence in advance (if possible) or within two days of their child’s return to school.
 
Can I take my child out of school for family or social occasions?
No. You should arrange leisure activities, visits to family and friends and shopping trips outside of school hours.

Does the occasional day away from school really affect my child’s education?
Yes. Research shows that higher student attendance is associated, on average, with higher student achievement.

What should I do if my child refuses to go to school?
Contact the school as soon as possible for advice and support.
 
What is Truancy?
The California Legislature defined a truant in very precise language. In summary, it states that a student missing more than 30 minutes of instruction without an excuse three times during the school year must be classified as a truant and reported to the proper school authority" (www.cde.ca.gov).
 
Education Code Section #48200 states that you are obligated to send your children, to school, on-time everyday. The law further requires that after a student has been reported as a truant three or more times in one school year and after an appropriate school employee has made a conscientious effort to hold at least one meeting with the parent and the student, the student is deemed a habitual truant. A child who is deemed habitually truant will be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB) for appropriate action. Following the requirements of the law, you must be advised of the consequences should this problem go uncorrected.
 
The final result may be a referral or complaint for legal action through the (CPS) Child Protective Services of the Social Services Department, the Probation Department, or the District Attorney’s Office. Welfare or Probation referrals may result in Juvenile court action.  A parent who fails to meet their obligation may be guilty of an infraction and subject to prosecution. Complaints filed with the District Attorney may go to court and result in fines and court ordered parent education programs. If a parent is receiving government financial assistance, there could be sanctions against them and their financial aid could be decreased.
 
What is Chronic Absenteeism?
Students are considered to be chronically absent if they are absent for 10% or more at any point of the school year. These absences include excused, unexcused, and suspensions. We want to minimize student absenteeism so that we are able to address academic and social needs of students.
 
What is an Independent Study Program?
If your child will be out of school for more than five days but no more than ten, you can request to be placed on an Independent Study Program. Under this program, your student will be given homework to make up for the work missed during the days of absence. Work packets must completed and turned in to teacher upon student's return.
 
Please notify the school office you are interested in this program at least two weeks before the desired start date. The school administrator must approve the request and the Independent Study Form must be filled out. Forms are available at each school site.