When a student is absent from school, a telephone call from the parent or guardian by 9:00 am that day is required with the following information:

• Student’s name

• Reason for absence

• Anticipated duration of absence

   If a student has been absent and no call has been made, then the student must bring a written note to school with the following information when he/she returns:

• Date of note and date(s) of absence(s)

• Reason for absence

• Signature of parent or guardian

California Education Code 46010 stipulates absences are excused for the following reasons: 

• Personal illness

• Quarantine as ordered by a health official

• Medical, dental appointments

• Attendance of a funeral for an immediate family member

• Jury Duty

• Participation in religious instruction or exercises

• Verified court appearance 

Any absences that does not meet the  criteria listed above is considered an unexcused absence. These include:

• Family Vacation

• More than 3 days illness without a doctor’s note

• Personal issues

• Transportation issues

• Slept in, shopping, dog ran away…

The State of California considers any absences (excused or unexcused) numbering over 10% of the school year to be excessive.  A student with an attendance rate of less than 90% is considered excessively absent. Parents may be notified by letter if their child has excessive absences at any time during the school year.

SARB stands for School Attendance Review Board. In Eastern Madera County, this Board is made up of representatives from 4 school districts (Bass Lake Elementary, Yosemite Unified, Chawanakee Unified and Raymond-Knowles Elementary).  Also on the Board are law enforcement officials, social services representatives and counseling staff. The SARB group works closely with the District Attorney’s office, and ultimately, they can prosecute the parents of students who have too many absences. The goal of the Eastern Madera County SARB is to provide assistance to families who are struggling with getting their children to school every day prior to making a referral to the court system.

SARB letters are generated regularly throughout the year. You will receive a letter when your child has had unexcused absences. 

• 1st Warning Letter- (3 unexcused absences) 

• 2nd Letter- Meeting with Principal (5 absences) 

• 3rd Letter- Mini SARB with principal and district SARB Coordinator (7 absences) Attendance contract established. 

• Next unexcused absence  - student referred to Eastern Madera County SARB 

• SARB Contract and referred to Madera County Probation 

• Violation of SARB contract results in court referral