The California Department of Education (CDE) is collecting attendance data on students throughout the state of California beginning with the 2016-17 school year.  The CDE is looking at ‘chronic’ absenteeism in every school district.  What does this mean?  It means the CDE is tracking the following information submitted to CALPADS (California Longitudinal Pupil Achievement Data System) per student, each year.

• Unexcused absences
• Excused absences
• Expulsions
• Suspensions
• Independent Study – No Credit
• In-House suspensions
• Tardy, 30 minutes or greater

Hughson Unified School District’s school year consists of 180 days.  The CDE has stated any student who misses 10% (18 school days) of the school year is considered to be chronically absent.   At this time we do not know what the implications will be for local education agencies or families.

This is why it is extremely important students be at school each and every day.  Even if your student says they aren’t feeling well, send them to school anyway.  HUSD has a Registered Nurse available to each school site and it only takes a phone call/email to have her come into the office to assess the student’s health.  If she feels the student needs to go home because of illness, his/her attendance will be marked accordingly.  A follow up with a health professional is highly recommended, as well.

Please, make all appointments after school unless it is absolutely necessary to schedule during school hours.  Also, make sure your student brings a note from the appointment to the school office for verification.  Unexcused/unverified absences will not be tolerated.