Report an Absence - Birney Attendance 619-497-3500
Excused absences include those due to illness, medical or dental appointments, funeral services, court appearances, or religious holidays or ceremonies.
Unexcused absences include those due to oversleeping, transportation issues, going on vacation, or similar situations.
Whether excused or unexcused, absences disrupt your child's learning and can be costly to our school budget, which ultimately deprives students of programs. Unverified and unexcused absences count against your child, and after a certain number trigger an automated letter from the district along with a meeting with the school's School Attendance Review Team (SART). Multiple unexcused absences may result in a review by the district School Attendance Review Board (SARB), with district officials and a representative from the police force and/or social services. Make sure you CALL 619-497-3500 to clear your absences.
For guidance on when to keep your child home from school due to illness, see the Student Health and Safety page.
Is There A Way for a Child to Make Up an Absence?
Saturday School classes are offered regularly throughout the school year. Absences can be cleared and help students get those lost days back.
Planned Absence in Excess of Five Days - Short Term Independent Contract (STIC)
- Request Timeline: Please submit STIC requests at least ten working days before the planned absence.
- Duration of Absence: Contracts are available for pre-approved absences lasting between 5 and 14 days.
- Attendance and Absences: Approved STIC days are not marked as absences. However, if the contract requirements are not completed, the days missed will be recorded as unexcused absences.
- Academic Standing: If your child is currently performing below grade level, STIC may not be approved, as time away could impact their academic progress.
- Work Provided by Teacher: Teachers will provide classroom assignments. However, the work does not replicate the work that is missed in class for example, science investigations, group work, hands on activities. It is possible your child may be academically behind after five or more days away.
- Work Submission: Students should turn in all completed work to their teacher upon returning to school.
- Credit for Attendance: The teacher will review the returned work. If it’s complete, attendance credit will be granted. If incomplete or not returned, attendance credit will not be given.
- Please note teachers can deny a request, even if submitted within the timeline on a case-by-case basis.
Updated 11/08/2024 by School Site Governance Team, based on Board Policy 6158 and Administrative Regulation 6158