Attendance Resources
Poway Unified is challenging each and every student to be an Attendance H.E.R.O. - Here. Everyday. Ready. On-time. Students who are involved, connected, and regularly attend school are more likely to graduate and be successful in future endeavors.
Missing just 2 days a month means your child misses 10% of the school year. Over the course of their K-12 education, this amounts to the equivalent of missing one entire school year! Excused or not, these missed learning days matter.
We care about our students and when they are in school, we know they are healthy, safe, and learning. Chronic absenteeism impacts students, no matter their age or grade.
- Students missing just 2 days a month are less likely to read proficiently by third grade, achieve in middle school and graduate from high school.
- Chronic absences (missing 2 days a month or more than 18 days of school in a school year) has doubled since the pandemic started.
- School attendance is one of the most important factors in student academic and social-emotional success.
Parents, here are a few resources for how to help your child become an Attendance H.E.R.O.
Chronic absenteeism can be a signal that a student needs support. Students might be absent because of:
- struggles with school subjects
- school climate
- health conditions
- anxiety
- transportation
- caring for family members
PUSD has compiled resources, both District and external, to help families ensure students can attend school healthy and ready to learn each and every day. Find resources listed below, by clicking on the arrow to the far right of the topic.
Bullying Prevention
Safe Schools Hotline: 858-668-4161
This hotline is for reporting concerns of bullying (cyber, physical, verbal, etc.), drug or alcohol activity, either on or off campus, and any other parental or student concerns. This hotline is only monitored during District office hours. It is not monitored during weekends, nights, or school holidays.
Caring Connections Counseling
The focus of this service is for students in grades K-12 who may be experiencing any of the following: difficult situations at home or in school, depression, continued academic failure, involvement in violence-related offenses, alcohol or other drug-related behavior. Families may be referred by school personnel, or may choose to self-refer for assistance.
Free School Meals
Breakfast and lunch are available at no charge to all PUSD students, under California's Universal Meals Program. Families are still strongly encouraged to complete the meal application to establish income eligibility.
Health Guidance
Staying home when sick can lower the risk of spreading communicable diseases. For suspected or confirmed COVID-19 infection, follow CDPH COVID-19 Isolation Guidance.
Off-Campus Independent Study
Students who will be absent for an extended period of time may access independent study by referral from their current school. Please contact your school office for more information.
Transportation
Your child may qualify for free or reduced bus pass, based on household income or housing instability. Any questions about eligibility for transportation services should be directed to Robb Pfeil, Transportation Services Coordinator at 858-748-0010 extension 2061 or [email protected]
Youth in Transition - For Homeless or Housing Unstable Students and Families
Youth in Transition serves families experiencing housing instability and homelessness by seeking to remove barriers to enrollment, attendance, transportation, and academic success.
