California state law requires that each person between 6 and 18 years attend public full-time or continuation school for the full school day. We encourage all our students to do the following to be successful:
- Attend school every day, for the full school day.
- Be on time to class. Do not arrive tardy.
- Actively participate in class. Do your work and do your best.
- Complete all homework.
- Follow the school's discipline and attendance policies and procedures.
- Be a leader and do what's right.
- Take charge of your own education.
What can parents do to help their student succeed in school?
- Stay in touch with your student and know what is going on.
- Provide a quiet place for him/her to study and encourage a regular, healthy routine.
- Stay in touch with your student's school. We welcome your visit.
- Monitor your student's attendance.
- Seek help from the school when you need it. Our staff is eager to help you and see your student succeed.
Who is a truant?
A truant is a student who is absent from school 3 times in a school year without having a good reason (an excused absence) or permission from home or school. (Education code 48260)
Who is considered a habitual truant?
An habitual truant is a student who is absent from school 6 times in a school year without having a good reason or permission from home or school. (Education code 48260, 48261, and 48262)
How can I clear an absence for my student?
If a student is ill or has an excused or warranted reason for his/her absence, a parent may call the school within 72 hours (3 school days) to clear the absence. To clear an absence, you can call the Centennial Attendance Office at 588-1442 or 588-1443. You can leave a message on our 24-hour answering service at 588-1310. You can also call the school at 588-8601 and ask for the attendance office. Se habla espanol.
What happens if I don't clear my student's absence?
If a parent/guardian fails to clear a student's absence within the 72-hour period (3 school days), the absence will automatically turn into a cut, or an excused absence. Three cuts will result in truancy, and the student will automatically be placed on STEP 1 of the KHSD attendance system.
What if I'm having a problem with my student attending school?
Parents are encouraged to seek immediate help from the school if they are having a problem with their student attending school. We want to help!
What is the STEP Policy?
The following STEPS are a series of progressive measures and interventions set by the KHSD to improve student attendance. Though each student will be help accountable for his/her actions and each parent help responsible for this/her student's truancy, our goal is simply to help your student attend school for the purpose of ensuring his/her achievement and success. We want to see each student graduate and receive a KHSD diploma.
- STEP 1: Student is contacted and may be counseled. Parent is notified.
- STEP 2: Student is contacted and may be counseled. Intervention strategies may be implemented. Parent is notified.
- STEP 3: Parent is required to meet with the Dean of Students. Intervention strategies may be implemented. Student may be placed on school probation.
- STEP 4: Student and parent are required to meet with the School Attendance Review Team (SART). Community and/or school service may be assigned.
- STEP 5: Student and parent are referred to the KHSD Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) and/or student and parent may be issued a citation to appear in court.
- STEP 6: Citation of student and/or parent is filed in court. Prosecution of student and/or parent may follow.
What actions may be taken against the student?
- An infraction under Welfare and Institutions Code 601 (b) may be filed against the truant student.
- Penalties against the student may include, but not be limited to, the
following:
- 19 - 40 hours of community or school service.
- Saturday work or school.
- $100 fine.
- Suspension or revocation of driving privileges.
What penalties may be imposed on the parent or guardian?
- For a misdemeanor, penalties may be imposed of $50 - $500, imprisonment of 5 - 25 days in jail with up to one year of probation, and/or mandatory attendance in parenting classes.
- Contributing to the delinquency of a minor (under the age of 18 years) is considered a misdemeanor and punishable by law. In addition to imprisonment in a county jail for up to one year, a parent may be fined up to $2,500 and receive up to 5 years of probation (Penal Code section 272.)
- Welfare and Institutions Code 11253.5 authorized the County CalWORKS office reduce a family welfare grant if it is determined that the child is not "regularly attending school as required."
For further information, please visit the Dean's office.