Absences & Tardies

Reporting Absences

When your child is absent, please notify the school office as early as possible and by 9:00 AM at the latest.

Please note that absences can only be cleared up to 5 days from the day of the absence. After five days, we are unable to excuse the absence.

  1. Call the office at 510-644-6290

  2. Or, email Briana smattendance@berkeley.net or brianalejagarcia@berkeley.net

  3. Include the following information:

    • Student's name

    • Date(s) of absence

    • Grade/teacher

    • Your name and relation to the child

    • Daytime phone number

    • Reason for absence

School Attendance: Every Minute Counts!

Every minute of a child’s time at school is important. Absences and tardiness lead to missed instruction, academic challenges, and lost social opportunities. Help your child succeed by ensuring regular, on-time attendance.

In California, school funding is tied to Average Daily Attendance (ADA); schools receive funding based on the average number of students attending daily, meaning absences impact funding allocation.

Key Information

Unexcused Absences and Truancy

  • Family trips are considered unexcused, even with prior notification.

  • After 3 unexcused absences, you'll receive a district warning letter (per California Education Code).

  • Continued unexcused absences may lead to a meeting with the district attendance liaison and the principal.

  • Three tardies over 30 minutes (except for medical reasons) are considered unexcused and count towards truancy. See BUSD Attendance, Truancy, and Chronic Absenteeism for more information on truancy.

Tardy/Late to School

  • Students arriving after 8:10 AM are considered tardy.

  • Students arriving after 8:15 AM must get a tardy slip from the office before going to class.

  • Please provide documentation or a note explaining late arrivals.

Excused Absences

  • Illness: A doctor’s note is required for absences exceeding 3 days.

  • Medical and dental appointments: Please bring a note from your care provider.

  • Funeral of a family member: 3 days allowed for funerals in California, up to 5 days allowed for funerals out of state.

  • Religious holidays or celebrations: 1 day per semester is allowed.

  • Performing Arts: 1 day per school year is allowed.

  • Court appearance: (No specific notes provided for court appearance.)

Note: Vacations, family trips, and family emergencies are UNEXCUSED

Checking Attendance and Correcting Errors