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

What Parents/Caregivers Should Do When a Student Will Be Absent Link to this section

Reporting Student Absences Link to this section

The parent/caregiver is responsible for ensuring their child gets to school daily. 

If a student will remain at home, the parent/ guardian/caregiver must communicate with the school in one of the following ways before or on the day of the absence by 11:59 pm:

  • Submit an absence notification via ParentVue (Instructions)
  • Email to attendance clerk 
  • Written note
  • Phone call 
  • School-specific attendance form (for partial day or past absences only, if available )

*If the absence is reported after school hours, please give the attendance clerk until the next school day to update the attendance record. 

(After an absence you will not be able to report an absence through ParentVue and must email, use the school form (if available), call or send a note with your student.)

 

In all communications with the school regarding a student's absence please provide:

  • Your name and identify yourself as the parent/guardian/caregiver of the student
  • Student’s name
  • Date(s) of the absence(s)
  • Reason for the absence
  • Signature of a parent/caregiver and current date  (if a written note)

Families DO NOT need to submit doctor’s notes for illness to receive an excused absence. 

 

The student will receive an unexcused absence if the parent/caregiver does not submit communication for a valid excused absence.  

 

A parent/guardian/caregiver of the student can submit a request for excused absence anytime during the school year. 

 

SFUSD Board Policy 5113

We encourage parents/guardians/caregivers to review their student's attendance record regularly and communicate any discrepancies to the school.

This page was last updated on July 30, 2025