Middle and High School Students –Protests and Walkouts
Middle and high school students have the right to participate in a civic or political event and may have their absence excused, provided they notify the school in advance, in accordance with state law. (CA Ed Code 48205(a)(12)). The notification from either student or parent at the secondary level must come in advance of an absence or walkout. One full-day excused absence for participation in a civic or political event is permitted per school year, with additional excused absences at the discretion of a school administrator.
48205(e) For purposes of this section, the following definitions apply:
(1) A “civic or political event” includes, but is not limited to, voting, poll working, strikes, public commenting, candidate speeches, political or civic forums, and town halls.
Attendance and High School Athletics, from HMBHS Parent/Student Handbook:
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“Any player who would normally be eligible for participation on the day of a contest is required to attend four periods regardless of class schedule. Medical appointments are not considered excused absences for this purpose unless prior approval (three days) has been granted by A.D.
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Participation in Physical Education Classes- Any student enrolled in PE cannot participate in competitions and/or practices if they fail to participate in their PE class any given day. (No dress cuts, unexcused absences or medical excuses). All students are expected to run and participate completely, regardless if they have a competition that day.” - HMB Athletic Policy
Why is Attendance Important?
Regular school attendance has a huge impact on a student’s
academic success starting in kindergarten and continuing through high
school. Families play a key role in
making sure students get to school safely every day. Additionally, investments in teaching and
learning are maximized when students attend school on a daily basis. Student
success is directly related to regular attendance. Therefore, the school district is committed
to efforts to increase attendance notifications and communication to parents to
help students build healthy habits around school attendance.
Please visit the links below to learn more about how your
child’s attendance affects their success.
Excused Absences
California Education Code 48205.
(a) Notwithstanding Section 48200, a pupil shall be excused from school when the absence is:
(1) Due to the pupil’s illness, including an absence for the benefit of the pupil’s mental or behavioral health.
(2) Due to quarantine under the direction of a county or city health officer.
(3) For purposes of having medical, dental, optometrical, or chiropractic services rendered.
(4) For purposes of attending the funeral services or grieving the death of either a member of the pupil’s immediate family, or of a person that is determined by the pupil’s parent or guardian to be in such close association with the pupil as to be considered the pupil’s immediate family, so long as the absence is not more than five days per incident.
(5) For purposes of jury duty in the manner provided for by law.
(6) Due to the illness or medical appointment during school hours of a child of whom the pupil is the custodial parent, including absences to care for a sick child, for which the school shall not require a note from a doctor.
(7) For justifiable personal reasons, including, but not limited to, an attendance or appearance in court, attendance at a funeral service, observance of a holiday or ceremony of the pupil’s religion, attendance at a religious retreat, attendance at an employment conference, or attendance at an educational conference on the legislative or judicial process offered by a nonprofit organization, when the pupil’s absence is requested in writing by the parent or guardian and approved by the principal or a designated representative pursuant to uniform standards established by the governing board of the school district.
(8) For purposes of serving as a member of a precinct board for an election pursuant to Section 12302 of the Elections Code.
(9) For purposes of spending time with a member of the pupil’s immediate family who is an active duty member of the uniformed services, as defined in Section 49701, and has been called to duty for, is on leave from, or has immediately returned from, deployment. Absences granted pursuant to this paragraph shall be granted for a period of time to be determined at the discretion of the superintendent of the school district.
(10) For purposes of attending the pupil’s naturalization ceremony to become a United States citizen.
(11) For purposes of participating in a cultural ceremony or event.
(12) (A) For purposes of a middle school or high school pupil engaging in a civic or political event, as provided in subparagraph (B), provided that the pupil notifies the school ahead of the absence.
(B) (i) A middle school or high school pupil who is absent pursuant to subparagraph (A) is required to be excused for only one schoolday-long absence per school year.
(ii) A middle school or high school pupil who is absent pursuant to subparagraph (A) may be permitted additional excused absences in the discretion of a school administrator, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 48260.
(13) (A) For any of the purposes described in clauses (i) to (iii), inclusive, if an immediate family member of the pupil, or a person that is determined by the pupil’s parent or guardian to be in such close association with the pupil as to be considered the pupil’s immediate family, has died, so long as the absence is not more than three days per incident.
(i) To access services from a victim services organization or agency.
(ii) To access grief support services.
(iii) To participate in safety planning or to take other actions to increase the safety of the pupil or an immediate family member of the pupil, or a person that is determined by the pupil’s parent or guardian to be in such close association with the pupil as to be considered the pupil’s immediate family, including, but not limited to, temporary or permanent relocation.
(B) Any absences beyond three days for the reasons described in subparagraph (A) shall be subject to the discretion of the school administrator, or their designee, pursuant to Section 48260.
(14) Due to the pupil’s participation in military entrance processing.
(15) Authorized at the discretion of a school administrator, as described in subdivision (c) of Section 48260.