Attendance Policy
Every Day Counts at Lynwood High School
At Lynwood High School, we believe that daily attendance and punctuality are key to academic success. Showing up on time every day not only builds responsibility—it also ensures students make the most of every learning opportunity.
Reporting an Absence
If your student is absent, please notify the school as soon as possible:
-
The LHS Attendance Office receives phone calls between the hours of 7:30 a.m.- 10 a.m. If your call is not answered, please leave a detailed message regarding clearing your students absences (name, student ID number, Ed. Code reason to excuse absence). Please allow for 3-5 days for the absence to be cleared if you must leave a message (messages are addressed as soon as possible).
-
To Speak to Someone Directly:
-
For 9th and 12th Grade: (310) 603-1582, ext. 6020
-
For 10th and 11th Grade: (310) 603-1582 ext. 6021
-
Attendance Office
Niomy Benitez
Attendance Assistant
9th and 12th Grades
(310) 603-1582, ext. 6020
Genevieve Wilson
Attendance Assistant
10th and 11th Grades
(310) 603-1582, ext. 6021
Students may recover "unexcused" and "unverified" absences by attending Saturday School from 8:30 a,.m. - 12:30 p.m.
Saturday School dates will be shared with you by administrators and/or teachers.
Parent/Guardian Notes
The fastest way to clear your child's absences is to send a note with them and have them take it to the Attendance Office between the hours of 7:30-8:30 a.m. Parents may also email attendance notes to the Attendance Assistants. Notes should include:
-
Student’s full name and ID
-
Date(s) of absence
-
Reason for absence
-
Parent/guardian signature and phone number
Submitting notes late may delay student dismissal.
Excused Absences
As defined in Education Code 48201, the following are considered excused absences:
-
Illness or injury
-
Quarantine
-
Medical, dental, optometry, or chiropractic appointments
-
Funeral for an immediate family member (up to 3 days if out of state)
-
Justifiable personal reasons (e.g. religious retreat, court appearance)
We encourage scheduling all appointments outside of school hours when possible.
-
Documentation is needed from the clinics/ offices for students to be excused.
-
Student's ID numbers are required when picking up students and/or calling to verify absences.
-
Parents must also have a parent portal to view and access their student's records.
Irregular Attendance
Even excused absences can impact learning. Education Code 48403 classifies the following as irregular attendance:
-
Excessive excused absence - illness, medical or dental appointments during school hours, excused tardies and other
-
Excessive unexcused absences (e.g. family vacations, errands during school hours)
Chronic & Habitual Truancy
A student may be classified as a chronic truant if they are absent without valid excuse for 10% or more of the school year. A student is a habitual truant if they have been reported as truant three or more times in a school year.
Consequences may include:
-
Detention or Saturday School
-
SART (School Attendance Review Team): Meeting with student, parent/guardian, and school staff to sign an attendance contract
-
SARB (School Attendance Review Board): May involve law enforcement, probation, and/or referral to the Los Angeles County District Attorney
Truancy Definition
Any absence without parent knowledge or permission is considered truancy. Truancy includes:
-
Skipping class without a valid excuse
-
Leaving class under false pretenses
-
Leaving campus without permission
-
Being seen on campus during an all-day absence
Students who are truant may be cited by police.