The state laws of California require attendance of every person under eighteen (18) years of age. The law states that an absence may only be excused if the absence is due to: (1) Illness, a doctor or dentist appointment, or (2) A death or illness in the immediate family; funeral for members of immediate family. All other absences are considered truant. All other absences will be considered unexcused.
A “tardy” is defined as being over 30 minutes after the school day begins. Boronda Meadows begins school at 8:30. Classroom doors are open at 8:15. A “late” is anytime after school begins but before 30 minutes have passed. Removing your child early from school without a valid excuse is also considered tardy. Three days of unexcused absences or tardies are reported as truant.
As required by law, we must mail home a Monterey County District Attorney truancy note at that time. If the tardies or unexcused absences continue, further notifications must also be sent to the County D.A. Office.
Truancy is not a matter to be taken lightly. As a parent, the law obligates you to compel your child’s attendance at school. A parent who fails to meet this obligation may be guilty of an infraction and subject to criminal prosecution pursuant to the California Education Code (Article 6, commencing with Section 48290, of Chapter 2 of Part 27). Your child may also be subject to prosecution under Section 48264. Furthermore, if your child is between the ages of 13 and 18, he/she may be subject to suspension, restriction, or delay of his/her driving privilege pursuant to California Vehicle Code Section 13202.7.
Boronda Meadows takes unexcused absences and tardies very seriously. We will follow the law and report continuous truancy to the Monterey County District Attorney. Please inform your child's teacher and the school office one week in advance if your child is going to miss school for any planned reason.
When a student is unexpectedly absent from school, the parent or guardian must phone the school (784-5471). If you know your child is going to be gone from school, please notify both the teacher and the school office. State law requires that all absences must be verified by the school office either in writing or by phone. If your child was absent from school and there was no phone contact the day of the absence, please send a note (including the child’s name and the reason and date of the absence) the day following the absence.
Download and Print a Verification of Absence Form
Students who arrive to school later than 9:00 a.m. must report to the office for a class admittance slip. Please arrange medical appointments for after school or during vacation breaks if possible.
Tardy and late students must make up the missed minutes on Fridays during lunch detention.
For more information regarding these policies, please contact our Attendance Clerk at 784-5400 Ext. 1373
