SFUSD Attendance/Truancy Letters

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Grade Level
Elementary School
K-8 School
Middle School
High School

California law requires that children between the ages of 6 and 18 attend school every day.

While the law does not currently apply to children below the age of six, research shows that early education (preschool and kindergarten) are essential for future academic success. It is the parent/caregiver’s responsibility to ensure that their child gets to school every day.

If a student has unexcused absences, the school or district will notify the family/guardian, call the student’s home, and request meetings with the parent/guardian to develop an action plan and identify any support services the family needs to help the student get to school. 

An unexcused absence is defined as being tardy over 30 min (T30) or being absent for one or more periods in a school day.  Here is what families can expect after an unexcused absence:

  • When a student has an unexcused absence, the family will receive an automated call/message to inform them of the absence.
  • After 3 unexcused absences (as defined above), the district will notify the parent/caregiver with a First Notification of Truancy letter. This letter will be attached to ParentVue and families will be notified via School Messenger. If the family doesn’t have a ParentVue account, the school will notify the family. The school may also reach out and request a support meeting. 
  • If the unexcused absences continue during the same school year, and the student has 6 unexcused absences, the district will notify the parent/caregiver with a Second Notification of Truancy letter. This letter will be attached to ParentVue and families will be notified via School Messenger. If the family doesn’t have a ParentVue account, the school will notify the family.  The school will also reach out to the parents/caregiver and a student support meeting will be offered.
  • If the unexcused absences continue during the same school year, and the student has 10 unexcused absences, the district will notify the parent/caregiver with a Third Notification of Truancy letter and the student will be classified as a Habitual Truant. This letter will be attached to ParentVue and families will be notified via School Messenger. If the family doesn’t have a ParentVue account, the school will notify the family.  The school will also reach out to the parents/caregiver and a student support meeting will be offered.
  • Continued absences could result in a referral to the district coordinated care for truancy support. 

If your student is struggling with attendance issues please contact your students' school site for support. 

(CA Education Code 48260.5)