Absences

In California, public school districts receive funding from the state based on the actual number of students present in class, not on enrollment numbers. This means the District does not receive funding for students who are absent, regardless of whether the absence is excused or unexcused.

Fountain Valley encourages parents to ensure their children attend school regularly and to schedule medical or other appointments so students miss none or only a minimal portion of the school day. The District also requests that families avoid scheduling travel or other absences during the school year. Regular attendance helps students learn more and ensures maximum state funding for classroom instruction and academic programs.

The school calendar is designed to align with traditional holiday periods to minimize student absences and accommodate family vacation planning.

Absence Procedures

Following an absence, students must provide a written excuse from a parent or guardian upon returning to school, or the school must receive a phone call from a parent or guardian. Valid excused absences include illnesses, doctor appointments, and dental visits. Please do not send children to school if they are feeling unwell.

Absences without a written excuse or phone call are recorded as unexcused. Refer to the section on Truancies for more information.

Arrival and Dismissal Times

Students should not arrive more than 15 minutes before the start of the school day unless there are scheduled meetings or activities. After school, students should not wait for meetings that begin significantly after dismissal. Schools cannot provide supervision outside designated arrival and dismissal times.

Leaving School During the Day

Students are not allowed to leave during the school day without permission from the school office. If a child needs to leave early, parents must visit the school office to sign the child out. If someone other than a parent is picking up the child, the office should be notified in advance.

Tardiness

Students must arrive at school on time. If a student is late, they should bring a written excuse from a parent or guardian to the school office. Frequent tardiness without a valid excuse is considered truancy under state law. Refer to the section on Truancies for more details.

Truancies

A student is considered truant if they are tardy three times for more than 30 minutes each time or if they miss a day of school without an excused absence. Excessive truancies may result in a referral to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB).

Unexcused Absences

Unexcused absences are those that do not meet the criteria listed in the California Education Code for excused absences. Valid reasons for excused absences include:

• Illness or medical/dental appointments (a doctor’s note may be required)
• The funeral of an immediate family member
• A justifiable personal reason, if requested in writing in advance and approved by the principal or a designated representative