Re:       Truancy classification

 

Your child was absent from school without a valid excuse three or more days and/or tardy in excess of 30 minutes on each of more than three days without valid excuse during the current school year.  Because of this, your child has been classified as a truant within the meaning of the California Education Code. This notice is sent as mandated by Education Code Section 48260.5 as a courtesy to inform you of your child’s status and to remind you of what absences are excused.  Please review Morongo Unified School District regulations on the reverse of this letter, which defines excused absences with Education Code references. In addition, we are also mandated to provide the following information:

 

The laws of the State of California provide for the regular attendance of minors who are between the ages of 6 and 18.  California law requires you, the parent or guardian, to compel the attendance of your child at school.  If you do not meet this obligation you may be guilty of an infraction and subject to prosecution pursuant to EC§ 48290-48296.

 

If your child continues to be truant, he or she may also be subject to prosecution under Education Code §48264.  Under California Vehicle Code §13202.7, the student’s driving privileges may be subject to suspension, restriction, or delay.

 

Regular school attendance is necessary to learning and future success.  If attendance and /or truancy problems persist, your child may be referred to the School Attendance Review Board (SARB). Once referred, his/her attendance will be reviewed by SARB on a continuing basis.  SARB’s purpose is to help resolve attendance problems.  However, if they are not resolved, SARB shall enforce any of the following in an attempt to correct the problem:

             

§         Referral for family or individual counseling

§         Referral for change of school program

§         Submit a referral to the San Bernardino County Juvenile Probation Department pursuant to the provisions of Section 601.1 of the Welfare and Institutions Code

§         Submit a referral to the Department of Public Social Services (Section 300 of the Welfare and Institutions Code)

§         Submit a request for a citation to be issued to the parent(s) for violation of compulsory education laws.

§         Submit a request to the District Attorney asking that a criminal complaint be filed against the parent/guardian pursuant to the provisions of the appropriate sections in the Education Code and the Penal Code.

 

I would like to invite you to meet with responsible school staff to discuss solutions to the problem, which may include alternative educational programs available in the District. It is also recommended that you accompany the pupil to school and attend classes with your child for one day. Please call your child’s school to arrange a meeting.  If you have any questions regarding California Education Code relating to attendance or SARB, please direct your questions to me at 367-9191 or 365-3394, extension 360/361.

 

Sincerely,
Patricia K. Jensen
Coordinator, Child Welfare and Attendance

 

Revised September 2004