Reporting Absences
Attendance Policy and Guidelines
In the Fountain Valley School District, student success starts with consistent attendance. To help your child excel at school, ensure they attend at least 96% of the school year—that’s a maximum of 8 absences during a 180-day school year. Missing just one day per month can put your child at a disadvantage compared to peers who are consistently present.
Reporting an Absence
If your child will be absent, notify the school promptly using one of the following methods:
- Email: [email protected] (Available 24/7)
- Call the Office: (714) 378-4260 (Office hours begin at 7:30 A.M.)
When reporting an absence, include:
- Child’s Name
- Teacher’s Name
- Date of Absence
- Reason for Absence
- Name of Person Providing Information and Relationship to the Child
Important Notes:
- Absences must be reported within two days.
- Unreported or undocumented absences are marked as unexcused.
- Religious holidays must be reported in advance for an excused absence.
- Homework requests for absences of two or more days must be made by 9:00 A.M.
On-Time Attendance
Punctuality is just as important as attendance. Being late disrupts the classroom, and students miss critical announcements and valuable instructional time.
To encourage on-time attendance:
- On-Time Rewards: Students can earn extra recess for consistent punctuality.
- Parents are encouraged to help ensure their child arrives on time daily.
Remember: Written excuses or parent notifications are required for absences to be excused. Illnesses and medical appointments are valid reasons for absences, but children should stay home only when truly necessary.
Why is Attendance Important?
Attendance matters because:
- Being late or absent disrupts your child's learning and classroom flow.
- Students who attend consistently have better academic outcomes.
- Public school funding is based on student attendance, not enrollment, so absences affect resources for all students.
Help your child succeed by scheduling appointments outside school hours whenever possible. Thursday afternoons, when students are dismissed early, are a great time for appointments. The school calendar is designed to minimize conflicts with holidays and breaks to avoid missing school for travel.
Your diligence in supporting your child’s attendance and punctuality is greatly appreciated. If you have any questions, please contact the office.