Attendance Counts!

Children who miss school miss out on opportunities to learn, build lasting friendships, and develop the skills and attitudes needed to become good citizens and valued employees. There is a clear connection between student attendance and student performance in school. Data shows that higher attendance equals higher achievement for all students.

Chronic Absenteeism:  (missing more than 10% of days enrolled for any reason) is the single strongest predictor of dropping out before graduation.  "It is estimated that 75% of all chronic truants will eventually drop out of school.  Children who do not graduate from high school are far less likely to find a living wage job."  (San Diego County District Attorney Bonnie Dumanis)

Legal Consequences:  Parents of children 6 years old through 8th grade who miss 10% or more of the school year without valid excuse can be criminally liable and punished by up to a year in jail and / or a $2,000 fine.  Older truant students face legal consequences, including referral to juvenile court and probation supervision.

Financial Consequence:  Truancies cost the San Diego Unified School District ~ $3.6 Million in lost funding that could have been used for teachers, services, and programs to support students.  A SMART Goal in our schools' Site Plans for Student Achievement is to increase attendance.  Please do your BEST to schedule vacations and non-critical doctor appointments during non-school hours.  THANK YOU