Many students may be tempted to skip school during senior year. However, absences are directly linked to academic performance, and excessive absences can negatively impact grades simply because students miss valuable class time. Beyond the commonly known facts about attendance, such as reporting and verifying absences, here are some things you may not know.

Did you know, according to the Ayala Student Handbook, “students absent 25% of the semester, or approximately 23 days may receive a failing grade and may not receive course credit (cf. 5113 – Absences and Excuses; BP 5121)?” 

So how does the process work?

The handbook has given teachers the authority to lower the student’s grades due to non-performance or absences, even failing them. Many teachers will typically inform the parents or students via the provided syllabus. Therefore, the emphasis on attendance may vary from teacher to teacher.

“If a student is marked absent a large amount of times, then usually attendance or administration will get involved and either talk to the parent or to the student, ” AP 2D Design teacher Daniel Spellman said. “I just put in the grades that they have so far and then give them opportunities to make up the grades if they want it.”

Students with excessive absences may be required to attend a School Attendance Review Team (SART) meeting, where administrators will create a written plan and provide further assistance to the family.

So, how do I ensure that my attendance is high? 

Attendance is encouraged and is absolutely necessary for success in academics. Chronic absences will have difficulties in grasping concepts and lesson plans, increasing their risks of dropping out. 

All absences must be verified, either by a parent calling the attendance office or through school confirmation that the absence was due to a valid reason, such as personal illness or a medical appointment.

However, if an absence remains unverified, or if a student is tardy for more than 30 minutes without a legitimate excuse, they can face serious consequences. If a student accumulates nine unverified absences, the school may schedule a School Attendance Review Board (SARB) hearing or truancy mediation at the District Office. The San Bernardino County District Attorney and other agencies may become involved, and parents may be summoned to court. For further details, refer to the Student Handbook.

That being said, there are some steps you can take to ensure that you maintain a good attendance.

Given the absences are verified, all absences are recorded based on both full-day and partial-day attendance. For example, if a student misses periods five and six in one day, then misses four more periods another day, this collectively counts as one full absence. If possible, students are encouraged to take partial days off when necessary .

Permission slip for seniors

For seniors who turned 18, they have the option to sign themselves out, as they are no longer required to compulsory education. To do so, they must complete a permission slip.

“When seniors turn 18, they come and get a permission form where they can come and have their parents sign the form. They will sign it, and then we look at the grades. We have Mrs. Yarboi signs off if she is okay with it,” Attendance Office secretary Julie Shipley said.“We check their grades to have at least a 2.o.”

This is useful for students who wish to leave the campus for personal reasons, though they are still encouraged to be mindful of their attendance. The process of getting it approved may seem tedious but it was an accessible way for seniors to manage their own time. 

“I see a lot of my friends sign themselves out due to appointments and emergencies,” Lily Zhang (12) said. “I think this process is very valid [since they are] approved by the administrator and the parents.”

Overall, students should be mindful of how they balance school work and their mental health. While skipping school may be tempting, excessive absences may cause school board meeting, failing grades and more. Students should always verify their absences and attend partial days if possible.