4.1.3 What Parents/Caregivers Should Do When a Student Will Be Absent

If a student will remain at home, the parent/ guardian/caregiver must do one of the following:

• Call the attendance clerk at the school on the day of the absence. Identify yourself as the parent/guardian/caregiver of your student. Give the reason for the absence and the anticipated dates of absences. OR
• Write a note to the principal or attendance clerk and send it with the student when they return to school. 

The note should include the student’s name, the date of the absences, the reason for the absence, the signature of a parent/caregiver, and the date. (SFUSD Board Policy 5113)

Notes seeking to have an absence excused should be submitted to the school within 72 hours (3 days) of the absence. If the parent/caregiver does not do one of the above, the student will receive an Unexcused Absence.