Attendance Policy

• When a student is marked absent from school for one or more periods within the instructional day the parent will be notified via the primary phone number on file by Connect-Ed, our automated phone message system.  Once in the morning and a second phone call in the evening.  Email and text messaging is used if the parent has on file.
• Students/Parents must communicate with the attendance office immediately following the absence to clear the absence.  Per LAUSD School Attendance Policy, verification must be received and recorded within five (5) day(s) of the student returning to school after the absence.  Otherwise, the absence will remain unverified. 
• A student becomes a habitual truant once they are absent from school more than six times during a school semester and is marked as unexcused or unverified.  This may result with the student being referred to the Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) process.
• Positive attendance supports your student’s achievement. Every day a student misses school, he/she is at risk of falling behind academically. Not only is the missed day lost, the return day is spent catching up. Every day a student attends school is also a lesson in responsibility and commitment. Chronic absenteeism is defined as missing 10 percent or more of the school year, which is equivalent to 18 days out of a 180-day school year, regardless of whether absences are excused or unexcused. Chronic truancy refers to unexcused absences only. Students must maintain satisfactory attendance (over 90%) to participate in school activities, including senior activities.

Early Release Procedure

When it is necessary to leave school before the close of the day or be absent from classes for any reason, parent must notify the Attendance Office with a phone or note.   Please note: Students are only released to someone listed on their emergency forms and are over the age of 21.

 Early-outs must include the following:

• Student Name
• Reason for early out (see CA Ed. Code excused absence list)
• Date and time of early out
• Parent Signature
• Parent phone number

Parents will be called to verify student’s early release. Anyone who arrives on campus must present a valid photo ID.

CA Education Code 48205 for Excused Absences

1. Illness (note from parent or doctor) (per LAUSD, after 3 days of illness a doctor’s note is required) (District Policy of maximum of 6 illness absences)
2. Medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic services rendered (Dr.’s note)
3. Attending the funeral services of immediate family member (one day if service is in CA, three days if service is outside of CA)
4. Illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of whom the student is the legal parent (Dr.’s note or written note from parent or guardian)
5. Appearance in court, observance of a holiday or ceremony of his or her religion, (documentation from court, written note from parent)

How to Clear an Absence

Send your student to school with a legible note regarding his/her absence.  The note must contain the following information:

1. Student name
2. Contact number of parent or guardian
3. Date/s of Absence
4. Reason for Absence (see CA Ed Code 48205 below for excusable absences)
5. Signature of parent or guardian

Thomas Riley High School (19-20) Attendance Goal: 96.48%