ABSENCES
In order to foster a sense of responsibility, it is the goal of the Sonoma Valley Unified School District and Prestwood School, to encourage students to come to school each day on time and to take full advantage of all educational opportunities. We believe that regular, on-time, school attendance is crucial to a child's success in school, both educationally and socially. A day missed deprives a child of valuable learning opportunities as well as the learning that takes place in the interaction with his/her peers and teachers. A child arriving late interrupts the class and spends time "catching up" with the rest of the class. Because Prestwood values each child's opportunity to learn in the best environment possible, you are strongly encouraged to have your child attend school on time every day.
Funding Formula for Schools
Beginning with the 1998-99 school year, the funding formula for schools in California is based solely on actual attendance. Prior to the 1998-99 school year, school districts were funded on actual attendance plus excused absences, this funding formula for schools continues in 2007-2008.
What's Good Attendance Worth?
Each day of attendance represents approximately $45 per student. Lost revenue directly affects your child in reduced services/supplies such as health aides, counselors, instructional assistants, supervisors, or books, computers, and equipment.
Absences
Please telephone the school at 935-6030 each day when your child is absent. Parents will be contacted by phone if a child is absent and the parent has not contacted the school. Please call before 9:30 a.m.
Compulsory Education Law
The State's Compulsory Ed. Law requires that each person between the ages of 6 and 18 years attend school full-time (Ed. Code Sec. 48200).
Valuable learning opportunities are lost every day your child is not in school. Please support your child by placing value on his her education and the importance of being in school every day.
Excused Absences
Valid reasons for a child's absence from school include illness, court appearance, funeral of immediate family member or religious holiday (Ed Code Sec. 48205).
Truancy
A child is considered truant if absent from school without a valid excuse for three full days in one school year, or tardy or absent for more that any 30 minute period during the school day without a valid excuse on three occasions in one school year, or any combination thereof (Ed. Code Section 48260).
Family Vacations
Children at Prestwood attend school 180 days per year. That is only 68% of the typical 260 day adult work year. While Prestwood supports quality family time, it also discourages family vacations taken during the school year. Please check this calendar and plan your family vacations on days when there is not school.
Make-Up Work
Make-up work may be requested by calling the office at 935-6030 by 9:30 a.m. the day of the absence. Homework may be picked up between 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Students are responsible for making up work missed during an absence.
INDEPENDENT STUDY CONTRACT
Prestwood School has a Independent Study Contract to enable students to receive partial academic credit in situations other than excused absences. Upon successful completion of the Independent Study Contract, the absence is considered "excused" according to the Education Code. Legislation limits Independent Student to "five or more consecutive school days." To receive an Independent Student Contract, parents must come by the office to sign a contract.
Funding Formula for Schools
Beginning with the 1998-99 school year, the funding formula for schools in California is based solely on actual attendance. Prior to the 1998-99 school year, school districts were funded on actual attendance plus excused absences, this funding formula for schools continues in 2007-2008.
What's Good Attendance Worth?
Each day of attendance represents approximately $45 per student. Lost revenue directly affects your child in reduced services/supplies such as health aides, counselors, instructional assistants, supervisors, or books, computers, and equipment.
Absences
Please telephone the school at 935-6030 each day when your child is absent. Parents will be contacted by phone if a child is absent and the parent has not contacted the school. Please call before 9:30 a.m.
Compulsory Education Law
The State's Compulsory Ed. Law requires that each person between the ages of 6 and 18 years attend school full-time (Ed. Code Sec. 48200).
Valuable learning opportunities are lost every day your child is not in school. Please support your child by placing value on his her education and the importance of being in school every day.
Excused Absences
Valid reasons for a child's absence from school include illness, court appearance, funeral of immediate family member or religious holiday (Ed Code Sec. 48205).
Truancy
A child is considered truant if absent from school without a valid excuse for three full days in one school year, or tardy or absent for more that any 30 minute period during the school day without a valid excuse on three occasions in one school year, or any combination thereof (Ed. Code Section 48260).
Family Vacations
Children at Prestwood attend school 180 days per year. That is only 68% of the typical 260 day adult work year. While Prestwood supports quality family time, it also discourages family vacations taken during the school year. Please check this calendar and plan your family vacations on days when there is not school.
Make-Up Work
Make-up work may be requested by calling the office at 935-6030 by 9:30 a.m. the day of the absence. Homework may be picked up between 3:00 - 4:00 p.m. Students are responsible for making up work missed during an absence.
INDEPENDENT STUDY CONTRACT
Prestwood School has a Independent Study Contract to enable students to receive partial academic credit in situations other than excused absences. Upon successful completion of the Independent Study Contract, the absence is considered "excused" according to the Education Code. Legislation limits Independent Student to "five or more consecutive school days." To receive an Independent Student Contract, parents must come by the office to sign a contract.
