MJUSD
DIVISION 5000
STUDENTS
ADMINISTRATIVE REGULATION

ABSENCES AND EXCUSES

Excused Absences

A student's absence shall be excused for the following reasons:

1. Personal illness. (Education Code 48205)
2. Quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer. (Education Code 48205)
3. Medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic appointments. (Education Code 48205)
4. Attendance at funeral services for a member of the immediate family. (a) Excused absence in this instance shall be limited to one (1) day if the service is conducted in California or three (3) days if the service is conducted outside California. (Education Code 48205)
   (b) "Immediate family" shall be defined as mother, father, grandmother, grandfather, spouse, son/son-in-law, daughter/daughter-in-law, brother, sister or any relative living in the student's immediate household. (Education Code 45194, 48205)
5. Jury duty in the manner provided by law. (Education Code 48205)
6. The illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child to whom the student is the custodial parent. (Education Code 48205)
7. Upon advance written request by the parent/guardian and the approval of the principal or designee, justifiable personal reasons including, but not limited to: (Education Code 48205)
   (a) appearance in court;
   (b) attendance at a funeral service (other than immediate family);
   (c) observation of a holiday or ceremony of his/her religion;
   (d) attendance at religious retreats not to exceed four hours per semester;
   (e) attendance at an employment conference.
8. Service as a member of a precinct board for an election pursuant to Elections Code 12302. (Education Code 48205)
9. Participation in religious instruction or exercise in accordance with District policy: (Education Code 46014, 48205)
   (a) In such instances, the student shall attend at least the minimum school day.
   (b) The student shall be excused for this purpose on no more than four (4) days per school month.

Verification of Absence

Any of the following employees of the District is authorized to make verification of an absence:

1. the District Superintendent;
2. a school or public health care nurse;
3. a guidance/attendance coordinator or attendance supervisor;
4. a physician;
5. a principal;
6. a teacher;
7. a school secretary or clerk, or any other qualified school employee designated by the District Superintendent or principal to make verification.

Verification of absence shall be made by any of the following methods or procedures:

1. by telephone conversation giving the following complete information:
   (1) name of person calling;
   (2) name of pupil concerned;
   (3) name of authorized school employee receiving call;
2. by written note from parent(s)/guardian(s);
3. by visiting the pupil's home or by other reasonable method that establishes the fact that the pupil was actually ill or quarantined.