Attendance & Child Welfare
Our Commitment to Student Success Through Attendance![]()
Our Commitment to Student Success Through Attendance
Why Consistent Attendance Matters
At the Helendale School District, consistent, on-time attendance is essential for every student, from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 12th grade. The most effective way families can support student success is by ensuring their children attend school every day and arrive on time.
Our Supportive Attendance Practices
We are committed to dedicating our resources and attention to promoting strong attendance and student engagement. Our supportive attendance practices include:
- Safe and positive school environments
- Relevant and engaging learning experiences
- Activities that foster connection with school and peers
- Mental health support resources
- Recognition and rewards for outstanding attendance
Child Welfare and Student Success
Our attendance policies are designed not only to ensure academic success but also to promote the overall welfare of every student. Irregular attendance can be a signal that a student is facing hurdles related to health, safety, or basic needs.
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Intervention: When attendance issues arise, our staff works with families to identify and overcome the root causes that prevent a student from getting to school.
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Connecting Resources: Helendale School District utilizes its teams and community partners to connect families with necessary support services, ensuring student needs are met outside of the classroom.
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Legal Obligation: The compulsory attendance law protects a child's right to education and is a crucial component of local efforts to ensure the safety and well-being of all minors.
Attendance Policies & Truancy (State Law)![]()
Attendance Policies & Truancy (State Law)
Reporting an Absence
Parents are responsible for clearing absences. If a student is absent, a note, phone call, or email indicating the reason for the absence is required upon their return to the school office. Please refer to your school's handbook, as it specifies the exact number of days allowed to clear an absence; failure to clear the absence within this timeframe will result in the absence being marked as truant (unexcused). Students, in turn, are responsible for all schoolwork missed during the absence.
Acceptable Reasons for Excused Absence (Education Code Section 46010)
Absences are excused only for the following compelling reasons:
- Personal illness.
- Personal medical, dental, optometric, or chiropractic appointment.
- Funeral services of parent, sibling, grandparent, or any relative living in the immediate household (Limited to one day in-state, three days out-of-state).
- Personal court appearance (requires verification).
- Exclusion for illness or medical appointment of a child whom the pupil is the custodial parent.
- Observance of a religious holiday or ceremony.
- Religious retreat (limited to four hours per semester).
