Attendance and Independent Study

Hello McSwain Families,

A key component of our educational program is student attendance. To ensure your child receives the highest quality education, it is important that students are present at school and arrive on time each day.

When students are not consistently at school, it impacts their academic performance, social and emotional growth, and overall success. Please avoid pulling your student out of school unless it is absolutely necessary.

Excused Absences

The California Department of Education recognizes the following as excused absences:

  • Personal illness or injury (doctor’s note required for more than 2 consecutive days)

  • Quarantine

  • Medical, dental, optometry, or chiropractic appointments

  • Funeral of an immediate family member (1 day in state, 3 days out of state)

  • Exclusion for failure to provide immunization evidence (up to 5 days)

  • Exclusion for contagious disease

Students who are absent are responsible for requesting and completing all missed work. For each day of excused absence, students are given one (1) additional day to make up assignments.

Independent Study

If your child will be absent for five or more consecutive school days, you may request an Independent Study Contract. Please note:

  • Requests must be made at least two weeks in advance of the absence.

  • Students are marked as “in attendance” if the Independent Study work is completed and returned.

  • Independent Study is more than homework; it mirrors daily instruction and must be fully completed.

  • Contracts must be turned in on the first day back to school.

  • Teachers will determine how and when missed quizzes or tests will be made up.

  • If a student does not complete the Independent Study packet, they will be disqualified from receiving additional Independent Study for the remainder of the school year.

Student Expectations for Independent Study

  • All assigned work is required to be completed.

  • Students must meet all academic expectations.

  • Work is due on the first day back.

Thank you for your continued partnership in supporting student success through consistent attendance.

Best regards,
Mr. Pannu
Superintendent
McSwain Union Elementary School District