Regular attendance to all classes on a daily basis is a vital factor for academic achievement. Whether a student plans to attend college or join a workforce, attendance will be a major consideration for their success. Pursuant to California Education Code, it is the duty of each parent, guardian, or person having control or custody of a minor, to guarantee regular and prompt school attendance. 

Parent/Guardians must verify their student's absence within 72 hours with the Attendance Office. The verification must include the date, time, and reason for the absence. Verifications can be made in writing, by email, telephone, or via Parent Square or the school website. Absences that are not verified within 72 hours are considered a cut and disciplinary action will be taken. Absences verified after 72 hours will require Administrator approval.

If a student is absent due to illness or doctor/dental appointments more than 14 school days, the student must provide a doctor's note for every additional absence for the remainder of the year.  Failure to provide the verification will result in an unexcused absence.  Automated notifications go out once per day for unverified absences.  

In accordance with California Education Code, the absences can only be excused for the following reasons:

• Illness
• Medical, dental, optometrist, or chiropractic appointments
• Funeral service for immediate family
• Jury duty or an appearance in court
• Observance of a holiday, religious ceremony, or retreat

All other reasons for an absence are considered unexcused (as per California Education Code) even if verified by parent/guardian.  A student is allowed three unexcused absences prior to being considered truant.  Any unexcused absences after three are considered truancies and will initiate the Student Attendance Review Board (SARB) process.

Tardies

Students are to be in their seats when the bell rings or they will be considered tardy.  The first minute in class is an essential time for students to focus on the learning objective, and students who are late disrupt the learning environment. Three unexcused tardies are the equivalent of an unexcused absence and will have an impact on activity eligibility. Excessive unexcused tardies will result in disciplinary action. Automated notifications go out when your student has unexcused tardies.

Contact Information

Shannon Bryan                  Giselle Dauphine

Attendance Secretary          Attendance Secretary

Phone: 805-462-4320

Email: AHSAttendance@atasusd.org

CLICK HERE to Report an Absence or Request a Permit to Leave Campus

Attendance Errors

If a teacher makes an error marking a student's attendance, the student must meet with the teacher and the teacher must contact the Attendance Office to correct the error. The matter must be cleared by the teacher - not a parent or Attendance Secretary.

Leaving Campus During the School Day

Our campus (including all parking lots, athletic fields, classrooms, etc.) is a "controlled campus" during school hours by Board of Education policy, and the school is responsible for students during the hours the school is in session. With the exception of the lunch period, students who must leave during the school day for any reason (medical appointment, illness, personal reasons, etc.) must obtain a "Permit to Leave School" from the Attendance Office prior to leaving. Parents/Guardians may contact the Attendance Office or send a note requesting that the student be excused for an appointment.  Please make the request for your student to leave class at least one hour prior to their departure.

Understanding Attendance Codes

There can often be confusion around school attendance codes as well as what constitutes excused versus unexcused absences.

The state of California Education Code 42805 provides very specific guidelines for when a student’s absence or tardy is able to be considered excused. Typically, these include: 
Illness; Quarantine; Medical appointment; Bereavement; Jury duty or court appearance;
Observance of a religious holiday or ceremony; or Spending time with an immediate family member who is an active duty member of the uniformed services.

All other reasons for an absence or tardy are considered unexcused, even if the absence or tardy is verified by the parent/guardian. All absences, whether excused or unexcused, must be verified by the parent/guardian within 72 hours.