Regular attendance underpins academic success in the El Monte Union High School District. The EMUHSD attendance policy requires students ages 6–18 to attend school daily and on time, as mandated by California’s Compulsory Attendance Law (E.C. 48200). Valid absences for illness, court appearances or medical appointments must be supported by official documentation. Absences for personal reasons—such as oversleeping, car trouble or family vacations—are unverified. Unnotified absences are marked truant. Excessive or unauthorized absences can lead to detention, Saturday School or referral to the Student Attendance Review Board.
EMUHSD Attendance Policy: Verification Requirements and Deadlines
To qualify as a verified absence, students must submit a physician’s note, court summons or appointment confirmation, or a death notice for an immediate family member. Documentation must be presented to the attendance office by 7 a.m. on the student’s first day back. Upon receipt, students receive a re-admit card that each teacher signs to clear missed classes. This procedure ensures that legitimate absences are recorded accurately and help students avoid unnecessary penalties. Families should plan routine appointments outside school hours when possible.
EMUHSD Attendance Policy: Unverified Absences Explained
Absences for personal reasons—including shopping, working, babysitting or oversleeping—do not meet legal criteria. Parental notes are accepted but recorded as unverified. California law limits parent-verified absences to ten days per school year; beyond that, students are assigned Saturday School. Unverified absences count toward truancy and may trigger a parent conference to review attendance expectations. Students and families must understand that school hours are reserved for instruction, and nonessential activities should occur outside the school day.
EMUHSD Attendance Policy: Truancy, Tardy and Return Steps
Any absence not verified by documentation or parental notification is marked truant. Truancy referrals may result in detention, alternative placement or SARB intervention. Tardies occur when a student is not in their seat when the bell rings. Repeated tardies may also lead to disciplinary action. To return after any absence, students report to the attendance office with verification and complete the re-admit card process. The office opens at 7 a.m. daily to accommodate early arrivals and prevent tardiness.
Maintaining consistent attendance keeps students engaged and on track for graduation. Families should review the EMUHSD attendance policy with their students and reach out to school staff for guidance when absences arise. For full details on absence categories and procedures, visit the district’s attendance procedures page: https://www.emuhsd.org/116744_3
