Terrapin Times #3

Dear Turtleback Families,

We would like to provide some clarification regarding excused and unexcused absences, including how absences are classified, how they may impact make-up work, and how all absences contribute to chronic absenteeism.

One important distinction to remember is that a parent or guardian reporting an absence does not automatically make the absence excused. California law identifies the reasons that schools may classify as excused.

What is an Excused Absence?

Common examples of excused absences include:

• Student illness, including an absence for the benefit of the student's mental or behavioral health

• Medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic appointments

• Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer

• Funeral services or bereavement for an immediate family member

• Court appearances or jury duty, as permitted by law

• Religious holidays, ceremonies, or retreats

• Certain circumstances involving an immediate family member who is an active-duty member of the uniformed services

• The student's U.S. naturalization ceremony

• Qualifying cultural ceremonies or events

• Certain civic or political events for students in grades 6–12, with advance notice

Some excused absences have specific requirements regarding documentation, advance notice, or the number of days that may be excused. Your school's attendance office can assist you if you have questions about whether a particular absence qualifies.

What is an Unexcused Absence?

When the reason for an absence does not meet California's criteria for an excused absence, the absence is considered unexcused, even when the parent or guardian has notified the school.

Common examples include:

• Family vacations or trips

• Oversleeping

• Transportation issues

• Missing school for a non-school activity

• Staying home for convenience

• "Personal reasons" that do not otherwise qualify as an excused absence

We understand that families may occasionally encounter circumstances that make school attendance difficult. An absence being classified as "unexcused" does not mean that the school is questioning a parent's decision or that the reason is not important to the family. It simply means that the reason does not fall within the categories California law allows schools to record as excused.

Make-Up Work and Grading

For an excused absence, students must be given the opportunity to make up missed schoolwork. When assignments and tests are satisfactorily completed within a reasonable make-up period, students must be provided the opportunity to receive full credit.

PUSD Board Policy 6154 also addresses work missed because of an unexcused absence and states: "Students who miss schoolwork because of unexcused absences may be given the opportunity to make up missed work." This means that, unlike an excused absence, the same make-up privileges are not automatically guaranteed for an unexcused absence. Because student circumstances vary, opportunities to make up work following an unexcused absence should be considered based on the individual circumstances and in accordance with District, school, and classroom practices.

All Absences Count Toward Chronic Absenteeism

It is also important to understand that both excused and unexcused absences count toward chronic absenteeism. A student is considered chronically absent when they miss 10% or more of the school days in which they are enrolled, regardless of whether those absences are excused or unexcused.

Chronic Absenteeism = ALL absences (excused + unexcused)

The distinction between excused and unexcused absences is required for accurate attendance reporting and compliance with California law. However, from an instructional standpoint, every absence represents time away from classroom learning.

Regular attendance is one of the most important factors in a student's academic success and connection to school. We recognize that illness and other unavoidable circumstances occur, and we appreciate your partnership in helping students attend school consistently whenever they are able.

If you have questions about your child's attendance or whether a particular absence qualifies as excused, please contact our attendance office.

Thank you for your continued partnership and support.

Sincerely,

Lisa Maguire

Friday, September 4 | MPR @ 7:50

All parents and families are invited to campus to see Leader in Me in action—our students will lead the entire event from start to finish! Come to the MPR after you drop your student at the gate, to visit with friends, then find a spot to cheer on our Terrapin leaders as they lead our first assembly of the year! Stay after the Friday Flag for an informal Q&A with Mrs. Maguire.

The School Site Council is a very important stakeholder committee that is integral to the decision-making at Turtleback. This year, we are in need of four parents to serve on this committee to help make decisions about funds and programs at our school. This committee will meet a total of 5 times during the school year, in person or on zoom, after school for 1 hour on Wednesdays. If you have any interest, please let me know here! Any questions about the role, call Lisa Maguire @ 858-673-5514. Thank you!

Please follow our map of arrival and dismissal protocols. The inner lane is for TK-1st students and the outer lane is for older students. Have all siblings stand together with the youngest child for easy pick up. Thank you for NOT getting out of your car when dropping off or picking up. Thank you so much for helping us take care of our most precious humans.

• Friday, September 4 – Friday Flag @ 7:45 in the MPR, stay after the Friday Flag for a Principal Chat with Mrs. Maguire. If you have any questions, suggestions, input - please submit them here!
• Monday, September 7 – Labor Day - No school for students or staff.
• September 22-25 - Book Fair Week
• Tuesday, September 22 - Minimum Day (all students dismiss at 11:55)

Our district’s Caring Connections Parent Education website has new and exciting courses being offered. Check the website at the beginning of each term for the new courses offered to parents, families, and our school community; scholarship opportunities may be available. Click HERE to view the PUSD CCC Parent Education Fall Courses.

Calling all parents! The Turtleback Education Foundation needs your help, time, and talent to make this school year an incredible success for our students. Sign up to join our volunteering list today by clicking here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeW9ouMOI_cOo5SZGzmdcE8MFbffO4qEJ90kLLC5mXX2_aDwg/viewform

Volunteer at Turtleback!

The link for new volunteers is below.

https://www.powayusd.com/apps/pages/volunteer-information

Summer Edition, 1, 2

At Turtleback Elementary, we empower one another to create, communicate, collaborate, and think critically in a community where character and leadership count.

Email: lmaguire@powayusd.com
Website: https://turtleback.powayusd.com/
Location: 15855 Turtleback Road, San Diego, CA 92127
Phone: 858-673-5514