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Attendance Information
Attendance at Rancho Starbuck
Why Attendance Matters
Academic Achievement
Students who attend school regularly are more likely to achieve academic success, graduate on time, and pursue higher education opportunities.
Social and Emotional Development
School provides a supportive environment where students can develop social skills, build friendships, and enhance their emotional well-being.
Future Success
Regular attendance instills valuable habits such as punctuality, responsibility, and commitment, which are essential for success in life.
Attendance Procedures
RANCHO-STARBUCK INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Attendance Procedures
The attendance procedures are listed below. Please read and follow the instructions carefully:
ABSENCES
1. Each absence is to be verified by a parent/guardian. Parents are asked to call the 24-hour attendance hotline (562) 902-4269 on the day of the absence. If this is not convenient, a note from the parent should accompany the student when he/she returns to school. All
absences need to be cleared by calling the hotline. Absent hotline messages are picked up periodically throughout the course of the day.
2. The school office opens at 7:15 a.m. Notes should be brought to the office between 7:15 and 8:10 a.m. The note should state the reason for the absence.
3. If a student knows in advance that he/she will be out of school for several days, a note should be brought prior to the absences. It is suggested that the student also notify teachers for necessary make-up work.
4. If a student is absent from school, check your teacher’s method for posting work for weekly assignments to keep up with work.
ATTENDANCE
1. Unexcused tardies to school (more than 30 minutes late) are classified as truancy. Three unexcused truancies will begin a SARB (School Attendance Review Board) process.
2. Attendance at school is important! Chronic absenteeism (missing more than 10% of the school year) will begin the SARB process. Attendance is part of the promotion and graduation requirements.
3. Students have a limit of 18 absences per year in order to meet graduation requirements. Both excused and unexcused absences count toward the total absences for graduation.
APPOINTMENTS
1. If you know of an appointment in advance, a note or phone call prior to the appointment is appreciated. Anytime a student leaves during school hours, he/she must be picked up and signed out in the office. A student will not be released to walk home without prior parent approval.
2. If a student is to leave with someone other than parent/guardian, the parent must notify the school in advance.
3. To ensure uncomplicated student pick up, please pick up your child for appointments prior to the beginning of lunch.
LUNCH PASSES
1. A student is permitted to go home for lunch if he/she lives near the campus and has a written permission note on file. Permission may be requested for the entire school year.
2. A student may only go to his/her own home for lunch.
3. A student is only allowed to go off campus for lunch with his/her own parent or guardian.
How We Can Help
We are here to help you. Let’s be partners in this journey.
We understand that there are many reasons why your student might miss school. Our goal is to set you and your family up for success. If there are ways Rancho Starbuck can help you, please reach out to the below departments.
- Principal Whitney Takacs, wtakacs@ljds.org
- Assistant Principal Paul Kim, pkim@ljds.org
- Counselor Allison Gardner, agardner@ljsd.org
- Psychologist Ramon Tienda, rtienda@ljsd.org
- Attendance Clerk Tena Serrano, tserrano@ljsd.org
Attendance Tips
Communicate with the school: If your child experiences challenges that affect their attendance, please reach out to the school for support and resources. We are your partner and here to help you however we can.
Encourage a love of learning: Foster a positive attitude towards school and learning by engaging in educational activities with your child at home. If there are areas where your child’s school or academic experience can improve, we encourage you to speak with your school principal or educator.
Establish a consistent routine: Ensure your child gets enough sleep, eats a healthy breakfast, and has ample time to prepare for school each morning. If you need help with providing meals for your child or are in need of transportation, please contact your child’s principal.
Schedule appointments outside of school hours: Whenever possible, schedule doctor's appointments, dental check-ups, and other appointments during non-school hours. Even missing a half day of school for an appointment can be disruptive to your child’s academic experience.
We believe that strong partnerships between families and schools are essential for ensuring student success. By working together, we can create a culture of attendance where every student feels motivated and supported to attend school every day.